The political and social situation in Cuba remains a major concern for the international community. Two young Cubans who managed to escape the country have shared their testimony about the difficult conditions they faced on the island and how the dictatorship has torn families and friends apart.
In an interview given to Juanje Diánez's podcast, Moisés Morell and Christian Pérez Pérez shared their experiences escaping from the Cuban dictatorship.
During the broadcast, Moisés described Cuba as a prison, where citizens have no freedom to leave or access to the outside world, as the internet only arrived in 2016 and there are only five television channels, all controlled by the regime.
The indoctrination begins in school with books designed to teach loyalty to communism and mandatory political activities such as marches and meetings.
He also stated that the regime controls the population through constant surveillance, with neighbors who can be government informants.
The young man also spoke about food shortages, frequent power outages, and how Fidel Castro censored and reshaped history to remain in power.
After studying medicine, he decided to flee to Finland in search of freedom, facing the cultural shock and the opportunities that life in Europe offered him, far from the oppression of Cuba.
Chris, for his part, spoke about his mom who is in Cuba. “It's hard to think… being away from her. And not knowing if we will be able to see each other again. Because now we run the risk that they won’t let them leave to experience what we know today.”
Through his Instagram account, Juanje Diánez expressed his admiration for Moisés and Chris, who traveled from Finland to record the podcast.
"The algorithm brought us together, and I fell in love with them. Thank you, moisesmorell and iam_chris_perez, for traveling from Finland to record our podcast, and especially for your affection and kind hearts. We knew that the world needed to hear your testimony, but above all, they needed to know how amazing you are. Because you are truly courageous."
The migration of Cubans has increased significantly in recent years due to shortages of food, medicine, and the lack of fundamental freedoms. According to data from the National Institute of Migration of Honduras, in 2024, more than 60,000 Cubans crossed Honduras on their way to the United States.
This massive migration flow has resulted in, since 2022, more than 850,000 Cubans emigrating to the United States, accounting for nearly 18% of the island's population.
Frequently asked questions about the situation in Cuba and the testimonies of Cuban emigrants
Why did young Cubans Moisés Morell and Christian Pérez Pérez decide to escape from Cuba?
Young people decided to escape from Cuba due to the lack of freedoms, the regime's oppression, and the difficult living conditions, including food shortages, censorship, and constant government surveillance. Moisés Morell, after studying medicine, fled to Finland in search of freedom and better opportunities.
How does the Cuban regime affect families on the island?
The Cuban regime has fragmented many families, making family reunions difficult and keeping citizens under constant surveillance. The lack of freedoms and the restrictions on leaving the country complicate the reunion with loved ones who have emigrated, as Christian Pérez Pérez expressed when talking about the separation from his mother who remains in Cuba.
What are the main challenges for Cuban emigrants when trying to help their families in Cuba?
Cuban emigrants face criticism, constant demands from their families, and economic limitations in their countries of residence. They also endure the emotional pressure of sending more help than they can truly provide, leading to a significant emotional burden and feelings of guilt for not being able to meet the expectations of their loved ones on the island.
How is the political and economic situation in Cuba reflected in the daily lives of its citizens?
Daily life in Cuba is marked by food scarcity, frequent blackouts, and a restrictive economic system. Citizens face limitations in accessing basic products and services, and live under a regime that strictly controls information and personal freedoms, complicating everyday life and opportunities for individual development.
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