Admired or Feared?

Miguel Díaz-Canel has once again ignited controversy with a speech filled with revolutionary fervor and self-congratulation, claiming that the State Security agencies in Cuba are “efficient,” “respected,” and even “envied” by the rest of the world.

The statements, made at the Palace of the Revolution and broadcast on the official podcast Desde La Presidencia, have been met with a mix of disbelief, mockery, and rejection both inside and outside the island.

In the meeting held on March 26 with officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), Díaz-Canel did not hold back his praise for the repressive apparatus that has upheld the regime for more than six decades. “We are no longer so inexperienced, we are no longer so skeptical, we are now a security you can count on in any confrontation”, he stated solemnly.

The ruler insisted that the State Security is not only effective but also a “global reference”. “They are a benchmark because there is tremendous admiration for them worldwide, and even enemies must acknowledge the efficiency of the State Security bodies,” he asserted.

During the speech, he also glorified the origins of this social control machinery, attributing to it an almost philosophical character: “There is a whole conceptualization of State Security that is unique to the country,” he said, highlighting the “contribution” of the dictator Fidel Castro and his brother, retired General Raúl Castro, in its design. According to Díaz-Canel, it is a “bulwark” of the Revolution that should fill all Cubans with pride.

The most dramatic moment came when he used one of the classic arguments of Castroism to justify the existence of such a apparatus: the assassination attempts against Fidel Castro.

"Cuban security has protected the Commander in Chief from more than 600 planned assassination attempts by a powerful country (…) and the fact that none of these have succeeded is a strong enough reason to demonstrate its effectiveness," he stated.

But Díaz-Canel went further, comparing the Cuban system to the United States, which he described as an "empire" lacking principles.

“You are exceptional witnesses to how the empire operates: it is not based on ideas, honor, or shame; it is based on bribery, corruption, and money, appealing to the lowest instincts of human beings (…) They have bought traitors, but what they will never be able to buy with all the gold in the world is the resolve of men and women like you,” he stated in a highly ideological tone.

He closed the meeting by saying that “there are not many words needed to express to you the appreciation for the mission accomplished”, reaffirming his total support for those who, under the MININT uniform, have taken it upon themselves for years to infiltrate, monitor, and punish anyone who dares to dissent.

Organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Cuban non-governmental organizations have consistently denounced the Cuban State Security for its role in the repression of July 11, 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, but to be denounced.", commented a user.

Frequently Asked Questions about State Security in Cuba and Díaz-Canel's Statements