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Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez accused the Argentine government of repressing protests and violating fundamental rights, but conveniently ignored the brutal repression carried out by the Cuban regime against its own citizens.
Rodríguez criticized Argentina, stating that "in the name of an increasingly less credible 'freedom,' the Argentine government violently represses protests organized by those most affected by the neoliberal policies implemented in Argentina."
However, his words contrast with the reality of the island, where during the protests of July 11, 2021, more than 1,300 people were incarcerated simply for peacefully protesting, and of these, more than 700 were sentenced to prison terms.
The minister's statements referred to the brutal repression by Milei's government against a protest by retirees in front of the Argentine Congress.
The demonstration, supported by football fans and other sectors, resulted in the harshest police repression since Javier Milei took office as president in December 2023.
The protesters, mostly retirees living on minimal incomes, demanded better living conditions, access to medications, and the continuation of the pension moratorium.
The police dispersed the protest with tear gas, blows, and water cannons. There were 103 arrests and 20 injured, including an 87-year-old woman who was pushed and hit her head against the pavement.
Soccer fan groups, unions, and social movements joined the protest, and many demonstrators reported that police brutality evokes memories of past repression.
Internet users from the island responded to Rodríguez that the Cuban government points to the repression in Argentina, but fails to mention its own.
In the 11J protests, thousands of Cubans took to the streets demanding freedom and faced arbitrary arrests, summary trials, and lengthy prison sentences for exercising their right to express themselves.
Protests against blackouts and hunger in the country are also suppressed, with one of the most recent cases being the violent arrest of a Cuban mother in the town of Río Cauto who protested alone because she had nothing to feed her three children.
"And will you stand up in defense of the Argentine people? A few days ago, a mother was arrested after a public cry of desperation. They subjected her to the point where she could not speak publicly, clearly out of fear. As a representative of that dictatorship, do you have the cynicism to talk about human rights?" a netizen recalled in response to the Chancellor's post.
"Why don't you mention the football hooligans who went to pick a fight with the police? But those from 11J were indeed terrorists... Anyway, none of those hooligans are going to be punished with 15 or 20 years in prison, let alone accused of sedition," another said.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression and the Human Rights Situation in Cuba and Argentina
What is the Cuban regime's accusation against the government of Argentina?
The Cuban regime, through its foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez, accused the Argentine government of violently repressing protests and violating the fundamental rights of its citizens, in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the international criticism that Cuba faces for its own internal repression.
How does the Cuban government respond to criticism regarding repression on the island?
The Cuban government often redirects attention from internal criticisms by highlighting issues in other countries and justifying its actions under the discourse of "sovereignty" and "resistance." Human rights violations committed in Cuba are not publicly acknowledged, despite numerous reports of repression and arbitrary arrests.
What happened during the protests on July 11, 2021, in Cuba?
The protests on July 11, 2021, in Cuba were a significant event where thousands of Cubans took to the streets demanding freedom and rights. The Cuban regime responded with repression, resulting in more than 1,300 people imprisoned and over 700 sentenced to prison terms.
What impact have Bruno Rodríguez's statements had on the international perception of Cuba?
Bruno Rodríguez's statements are often viewed with skepticism by the international community, as they contrast with reports from human rights organizations documenting systematic violations in Cuba. This double standard undermines the credibility of the Cuban regime in international forums.
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