A group of Cubans living in Europe held a peaceful demonstration this Saturday at the International Tourism Fair in Barcelona (B-Travel) to denounce the situation of political prisoners and to shed light on the reality faced by the Cuban people under the regime of Havana.
The activist Avana de la Torre led the protest, which took place at the exhibition grounds where, traditionally, the Embassy of Cuba usually has a representation space.
However, this year the diplomatic mission did not officially participate in the event, which is why —according to the words of the protesters— "the free Cubans" took on the representation of the island.
“They have suspended [the official participation], because Cuba is a big lie, and we, the free Cubans, came to show what Cuba is really like. We represent Cuba, and in Cuba, there are political prisoners. We have come to bring the truth of Cuba here,” De la Torre stated during the protest.
The activists carried a poster featuring dozens of faces of Cuban children—including that of little Damir Ortiz—affected by the shortage of medical supplies, and they denounced the severe health crisis that the island is experiencing.
They also raised concerns about the widespread shortage of medicines, child malnutrition, and the presence of phenomena such as child prostitution, crime, and repression, which they claim characterize the daily life of a nation they described as a "failed state."
“The reality of Cuba is that there are no medicines, there is hunger, pedophilia, prostitution, crime, and repression. And that is not shown at a tourism fair. We came to do this,” said another participant.
With this symbolic action, Cuban exiles aim to raise awareness among the international community about the serious human rights crisis in Cuba and demand the freedom of all political prisoners, many of whom were jailed following the protests of July 11, 2021, and subsequent peaceful mobilizations.
They also responded to the accusations from the Ministry of Health with this action, which attempted to justify itself in the case of Damir Ortiz, a 10-year-old boy who had to be transferred to Florida for treatment, and accused the mother of interfering with the child's care.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners and the Crisis in Cuba
Why did Cubans protest at the International Tourism Fair in Barcelona?
Cuban citizens demonstrated at the International Tourism Fair in Barcelona to denounce the situation of political prisoners and highlight the reality faced by the Cuban people under the regime of Havana. They took the opportunity to raise awareness among the international community about the serious human rights crisis in Cuba.
Who is Avana de la Torre and what is her role in the protests?
Avana de la Torre is a exiled Cuban activist who has played an important role in the fight for human rights in Cuba. She has participated in multiple protests against the Cuban regime in various parts of the world, highlighting the repression and advocating for the freedom of political prisoners on the island.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
Currently, in Cuba, there are 1,117 political prisoners, according to Prisoners Defenders. This number has increased due to arrests related to peaceful protests, especially those on July 11, 2021. These arrests reflect the systematic repression of the Cuban regime against those who dare to express their discontent.
Why did Cuba not officially participate in the International Tourism Fair in Barcelona?
Cuba did not officially participate in the International Tourism Fair in Barcelona due, according to the protesters, to the fact that the official representation of the country was suspended. The protesters argued that this absence was due to the Cuban regime's reluctance to expose the internal reality of the island, characterized by a lack of human rights and the health crisis.
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