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Cuban authorities detained several activists on Wednesday who were demanding a humanitarian visa for the child Damir Ortiz Ramírez in front of the United States Embassy in Havana, according to a report on social media by Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia.
"From Avenue G to the stand, the corners and surroundings of the embassy are guarded by the police and security. They also arrested Lara Crofs (whose real name is Yamilka Laffita) and Daniela," wrote Salcedo on Facebook.
Despite the presence of repressive forces, Salcedo assured that the activists would continue their efforts to save the child's life.
"We knew this would happen; it would be done because Damir wants to live, and we will do whatever it takes. Because to want is to be able!" he affirmed.
The activist Amelia Calzadilla, who apparently was in contact with Laffita, reported on Facebook that she managed to reach the area near the United States Embassy in Havana: "Lara Crofs is now in the embassy area to request that the humanitarian visa for the child Damir be prioritized."
Laffita, in her latest post on Facebook, had reported on the strong presence of the regime's repressive forces: "From G Avenue to the podium, the corners and surroundings of the embassy are guarded by the police."
A little earlier, the activist openly challenged the Cuban regime and reaffirmed her stance, along with other human rights defenders, announcing that she was heading to the U.S. Embassy in Cuba to demand a humanitarian visa for Damir.
Previously, Laffita had called for a protest this Wednesday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana to demand a humanitarian visa for the child Damir Ortiz Ramírez, whose health has worsened in recent days.
Lara had called on her fellow compatriots to gather that day at 10:00 a.m. in the public area, next to the diplomatic mission, to urge that the case be expedited and a fast visa granted to allow Damir's relocation to the United States.
There, a hospital was ready to treat the child, who suffered from type 1 neurofibromatosis and had a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye.
At the beginning of the month, the United States Embassy in Havana denied the humanitarian visa requested for Damir due to a lack of documentation issued by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP).
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of the Cuban child Damir Ortiz and the humanitarian visa request
Why was the activist Lara Crofs arrested in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana?
Lara Crofs was detained for demanding a humanitarian visa for the child Damir during a peaceful protest outside the United States Embassy in Havana. The demonstration aimed to advocate for the child to receive medical treatment in the United States. Cuban authorities responded with a heavy police presence, detaining several activists on the scene.
What is Damir Ortiz's health situation and why does he need treatment in the United States?
Damir Ortiz, 10 years old, suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and possible leukemia. His health condition is critical and he needs specialized treatment not available in Cuba. A hospital in Miami has agreed to treat him, but a humanitarian visa is required for him to travel to the United States.
Why was humanitarian visa denied to Damir and what alternatives does he have?
The United States Embassy in Havana denied humanitarian visa to Damir due to the lack of an authorization letter from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). The embassy suggested applying for humanitarian parole with the authorities of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which must be done from the United States.
What role has MINSAP played in the denial of Damir's humanitarian visa?
The MINSAP refused to issue the necessary authorization letter for the humanitarian visa, arguing that Cuba has the resources needed to treat Damir. This refusal has been criticized by activists, who point out the lack of resources and adequate treatments within the Cuban healthcare system.
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