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While the crisis in Cuba worsens and repression against citizens continues, the organs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MININT) have time for leisure.
Next Sunday, the IV "February 6" Football Cup will conclude in Havana, a tournament featuring teams from the various repressive structures of the regime.
According to the official MININT page on Facebook, the final of the event will feature teams from the General Directorate of Counterintelligence, the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), the Personal Security Directorate, and the Fire Department of Cuba.
The semifinals will be played on Saturday, from which the two finalists will emerge to compete for the title on Sunday, the publication emphasized.
The tournament, held on the grounds of the Directorate of Personal Security in Havana, was organized in tribute to the birthday of Camilo Cienfuegos and featured the participation of 17 teams, mostly comprising the regime's enforcers in Cuba.
While MININT agents pursue activists, monitor journalists, and suppress protests, they simultaneously enjoy recreational activities such as this soccer tournament.
Repression in Cuba has intensified in recent months, with multiple documented cases of arbitrary detentions, violence against protesters, and censorship of independent media.
On March 21, 2024, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression urged the Cuban regime not to suppress the protests that erupted in various provinces due to the economic crisis, power outages, and food shortages. In his statement, he reminded that the right to protest must be respected and that Cuban authorities should not resort to violence against the populace.
On May 7, 2024, the opposition member Ángel Moya, former prisoner from the Black Spring, reported that he was a victim of torture and mistreatment by State Security. According to his testimony, he was beaten and handcuffed with extreme violence after being arrested alongside his wife, Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, while they were attempting to peacefully protest.
On June 8, 2024, the priest Alberto Reyes, from the diocese of Camagüey, denounced the role of the repressors in Cuba, pointing out that many are ordinary citizens who are granted temporary power to suppress their own compatriots. In his message, he criticized the violence exercised against the protesters and called for reflection among those who collaborate with the repression.
On October 8, 2024, a new repressive wave against independent press became evident in Cuba. Journalists from outlets such as elTOQUE and CubaNet were summoned, interrogated, and coerced by State Security. Some were forced to sign self-incrimination statements, while others experienced the confiscation of their electronic devices and money. This escalation of repression has led to the closure of several independent publications.
More recently, on November 9, 2024, the regime arrested protesters in Encrucijada, Villa Clara, who were demonstrating against the power outages. At least eight individuals were detained, including those with health issues. Witnesses reported that State Security agents resorted to intimidation tactics, such as cutting off internet access and shining flashlights on the faces of the protesters to identify them later.
These events reflect a pattern of systematic repression in Cuba, where the government continues to use violence and censorship to silence public discontent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and the MININT Football Tournament
What is the "February 6" Football Cup organized by MININT?
The "February 6" Football Cup is a tournament in which teams from various repressive structures of the Cuban regime participate, including the General Directorate of Counterintelligence and the Revolutionary National Police. The tournament is held in tribute to the birth of Camilo Cienfuegos and this edition featured the participation of 17 teams.
What is the current situation of repression in Cuba?
Repression in Cuba has intensified, with multiple documented cases of arbitrary detentions, violence against protesters, and censorship of independent media. The regime continues to use violence and censorship to silence public dissent, as evidenced by the recent detentions of protesters and the intimidation tactics employed against independent media.
What role do the MININT agencies play in repression in Cuba?
The organs of MININT, such as the State Security Directorate and the Revolutionary National Police, are primarily responsible for carrying out repressive actions against the Cuban population. These organs actively participate in monitoring, detaining, and repressing activists, journalists, and opponents of the regime, employing tactics of intimidation and violence.
What has been the international response to the repression in Cuba?
International condemnation has been directed at the repression in Cuba. Human rights organizations and UN rapporteurs have urged the Cuban regime to respect the rights to assembly and expression. The international community has condemned the use of violence and censorship by the Cuban government and has expressed concern over the human rights situation on the island.
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