The State Security, one of the most feared and controversial institutions of the Cuban regime, marked its 66th anniversary since its founding on March 26. To celebrate this occasion, the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel presided over a meeting at the Palace of the Revolution, where a tribute was paid to its agents, whom he referred to as "fighters of silence" and "the pride of the Cuban people."
"I reaffirm the admiration and respect that the Cuban people feel for you. Whenever a feat of the State Security fighters is known; whenever the enemy is dealt a blow; when a victory is made public; or when the identity of a comrade who has been in your ranks is revealed, there is always a particular emotion that is experienced from revolutionary feelings," said Díaz-Canel.
The event was attended by 66 active agents and veterans. The day was characterized by a triumphant tone, where the leader praised the operational capability of State Security to "thwart the enemy's plans," referring to the opposition and critical voices both inside and outside of Cuba.
“They have told stories that have been built in silence,” he stated. However, the secretive actions to which the leader refers have also been widely denounced by activists, artists, and intellectuals in Cuba, for being a complex system of repression.
In the words of Díaz-Canel, the agents have been "thorns in the empire's plans," but for many Cubans who yearn for freedom, the end of the dictatorship, and progress towards true democracy, this repressive force has been the cornerstone of the regime to maintain social and political control in Cuba.
The State Security, affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), is responsible for maintaining constant surveillance on anyone with differing views from the government. They orchestrate arbitrary detentions, psychological harassment, defamation campaigns, and forced exile against those who exercise the right to free expression.
The artist-activist Hamlet Lavastida, who currently lives in exile but spent more than 90 days in 2021, publicly denounced Colonel “Samuel,” the intelligence officer who led his interrogation, this Thursday.
Lavastida shared on social media that he recognized his face on Cuban Television when the repressor participated in the event organized by the government. “Samuel” was responsible for operations against independent art figures such as Tania Bruguera, Katherine Bisquet, and Camila Lobón. He was also the one who pressured him to collaborate as an informant or face exile.
Lavastida reported that this officer threatened him with continuing the surveillance even abroad if he did not stop his "hostility against the Cuban State."
"I hope for the day when all these henchmen and torturers have to answer to the Cuban people. That they are subjected to public scorn by identifying them, denouncing them, and exposing their faces," wrote the artist.
Although the event at the Palace of the Revolution was presented as a tribute "to patriotism and humility," the other face of State Security, that of persecuting dissent, is an open wound for those who have personally experienced the repression and fear that this institution instills in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about State Security in Cuba and Repression
What is the role of State Security in Cuba?
The State Security in Cuba is responsible for maintaining constant surveillance over anyone with different ideas from the Cuban government. This institution, affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior, orchestrates arbitrary detentions, psychological harassment, and defamation campaigns against those who exercise their right to free expression.
How has the celebration of the State Security anniversary been?
The anniversary of State Security was celebrated at the Palace of the Revolution, presided over by Miguel Díaz-Canel. The event was characterized by a triumphalist tone, where the operational capacity of the institution to thwart the enemy's plans was praised, referring to the opposition and critical voices both within and outside of Cuba.
What reports has Hamlet Lavastida made regarding State Security?
Hamlet Lavastida has publicly denounced Colonel "Samuel" from Counterintelligence, who led his interrogation and pressured him to collaborate as an informant or go into exile. Lavastida has also revealed that this officer threatened to follow him even abroad if he did not cease his hostility against the Cuban state.
What is the public perception of State Security in Cuba?
For the government, the State Security agents are considered "the pride of the Cuban people." However, many Cubans view this institution as a repressive force and the cornerstone of the regime's social and political control. Their covert actions and repression have been condemned by activists, artists, and intellectuals in Cuba.
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