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The young Cuban Leonardo Romero Negrín was detained on Tuesday afternoon for exercising his right to peaceful protest in the central park of Havana, as reported by family and friends.
In images shared on the social network Facebook, Leonardo is seen unarmed and holding a blank sign, silently yet powerfully expressing his dissent.
In a post, Lisbeth Moya González stated that Leonardo was intercepted and was beaten during his arrest.
"Protesting in Cuba today is a significant act of dignity. Leo is not alone. We are all watching over him. Tonight, no one sleeps, and as the hours go by, the greater the pressure we will exert. 'Leo, free now!' Moya expressed in a call for solidarity and action against repression."
After being held at the Dragones police station and feeling pressure from Leonardo's associates, the regime decided to release him, although they imposed charges and house arrest, despite having committed no crime, as he was merely exercising a universal right, according to the post by Miryorly García.
García added that they demand an investigation into the incidents in which the young man was assaulted and suffered injuries to his hand, and they insist that Leonardo be left alone, warning: "How long will we continue to tolerate these abuses?"
Raymar Aguado Hernández also left evidence on Facebook of the abuses of the dictatorship against the young man.
The detention of Leonardo highlights the current tensions in Cuba, where peacefully expressing discontent, even through symbolic gestures like holding up a blank sign, becomes a challenge to authority.
Leonardo Romero and his story against the dictatorship
In 2022, Leonardo Romero Negrín announced his departure from the University of Havana where he was pursuing a degree in Physics and stated that he would not be complicit in what is happening in Cuba.
At that moment, Romero Negrín stated that silence cannot be the solution and that he is well aware of the consequences his decision could have for him and his family, who are now exposed to the regime's reprisals.
He explained that his decision to leave the study center "is just a reminder to the university community that youth is the most valuable asset a society has," and he expressed gratitude to those who spoke out without fear of repression, harassment, and persecution by State Security.
Before deciding to abandon his studies in May 2021, Romero also spent some hours in jail after appearing with a poster calling for an end to the repression on Obispo Street.
The young man joined other Cubans who demanded an end to the police cordon in San Isidro and called for the right to see the political prisoner and artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who was in critical condition after seven days of hunger and thirst strike.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression and Protests in Cuba
Why was Leonardo Romero Negrín arrested in Havana?
Leonardo Romero Negrín was arrested for peacefully protesting with a blank sign in Central Park in Havana. Despite not committing any crime, the regime released him under house arrest and pressed charges against him. This arrest reflects the systematic repression of any form of dissent in Cuba.
What does a blank poster represent as a form of protest in Cuba?
A blank sign is a form of symbolic protest that represents the silence imposed by the Cuban regime and censorship. Demonstrating with a blank sign is a way to express discontent without words, highlighting the lack of freedom of expression on the island.
How has the community responded to the detention of peaceful protesters in Cuba?
The community has responded with solidarity and social pressure in light of the arbitrary arrests. Friends and family of the detained have used social media to denounce the abuses and demand the release of the protesters, as is the case with Leonardo Romero Negrín. These actions aim to highlight the repression and promote peaceful resistance.
What is the impact of repression on Cuban youth?
Repression has a significant impact on Cuban youth, fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship. However, it has also driven many young people, such as Leonardo Romero Negrín, to take an active stance in defense of their rights and to openly criticize the regime, despite the potential repercussions.
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