Colonel José Marco Rubinos, former head of Department 21 of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), revealed during an official event at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana that one of the fundamental principles of the Cuban repressive apparatus is to deny the existence of a genuinely Cuban counter-revolution: “There is no counter-revolution that originates from the country, that comes from our people.”
"The counter-revolution is formed, financed, subsidized, directed, conceived, and manipulated from the United States," he added in the presence of Miguel Díaz-Canel and the leadership of MININT, during a meeting held on March 26 and broadcast on the official YouTube channel Desde La Presidencia.
Rubinos insisted that this conceptualization was learned directly from the repressive practice "with the Commander-in-Chief" and through decades of experience in the operational bodies of MININT.
"We participated in several exchanges with the Commander in Chief directing that confrontation," he recounted, pointing out that the repression of dissent has been a state policy planned and executed from the highest levels of power.
"The struggle against that counter-revolution is determined in the confrontation with the main enemy, which is the Americans," emphasized the colonel.
During his intervention, he also emphasized that the confrontation is not the task of a single agency: “This confrontation is carried out by the entire team of the Ministry of the Interior, united, like a hammer to face the enemy.”
Rubinos also highlighted the role that Cuban youth play within the State's repressive machinery: “The strength of the confrontation lies in those officers, most of whom are young, just like the ones we have here, and that is truly where the strength of our Ministry resides,” he stated.
The colonel identified himself as part of the "middle generation" of State Security, one that was formed "since the revolution" and learned from the "main leaders" of the repressive apparatus.
He closed his remarks with a phrase laden with military rhetoric: “We are also ready to engage, fighting for whatever is necessary.”
The colonel's statements were made in a context where Díaz-Canel asserted that the Cuban State Security is “efficient, respected, and envied” by the world, in a speech that has generated criticism and ridicule both inside and outside the island.
The MININT machinery has been denounced repeatedly by international organizations for its systematic persecution of journalists, activists, and dissidents.
Organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Cuban non-governmental organizations have repeatedly condemned the Cuban State Security for its role in the repression of the July 11 protests, the persecution of independent journalists, and arbitrary detentions. Despite this, the regime insists on cloaking this structure of repression in a guise of heroism and revolutionary loyalty.
Social media exploded after the speech: “It’s not strength, it’s fear that they have instilled in the people. And that is not to be admired, it needs to be denounced,” commented a user.
Frequently asked questions about repression in Cuba and the role of State Security
What is the Cuban government's stance on counter-revolution?
The Cuban government does not acknowledge the existence of a genuine counter-revolution within the country. According to Colonel José Marco Rubinos, all counter-revolutionary activities are attributed to the influence and support of the United States, rather than to movements arising from the Cuban people. This stance is part of an official narrative that justifies internal repression and social control.
How is repression organized in Cuba according to the MININT?
The repression in Cuba is a state policy planned and executed from the highest echelons of power. Colonel Rubinos stated that the confrontation against dissent is a joint task of the entire Ministry of the Interior (MININT), operating as a unified team to face what they consider the "main enemy," referring to the United States.
What role does Cuban youth play in the state's repressive apparatus?
The Cuban youth are seen as a strength within the repressive machinery of the State. Colonel Rubinos emphasized that many young officers are an essential part of MININT, being part of the generation that has been indoctrinated since the revolution to maintain social and political control in Cuba.
How does the international community react to the repression in Cuba?
International organizations have repeatedly denounced the repression in Cuba. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, among others, have criticized the role of State Security in the suppression of peaceful demonstrations, the persecution of independent journalists, and arbitrary detentions, especially following the protests of July 11, 2021 (11J).
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