The Cuban journalist and activist Waldo Fernández Cuenca reported on social media the involvement of a State Security repressor, known until now by the pseudonym "Captain Alexander," in the official event led by Miguel Díaz-Canel to mark the 66th anniversary of that repressive institution of the regime.
According to Fernández Cuenca, the agent interrogated him numerous times at the police unit in Aguilera, in Lawton, and on more than one occasion went to his home to harass him. During the ceremony at the Palace of the Revolution, the true name of the officer was revealed: Reinier Castillo Baró.
"It is important that your name is recorded on the list of Cuban Repressors," wrote the journalist.
A well-known figure among the dissent
The revelation by Fernández Cuenca has sparked multiple reactions on social media, where other activists have also identified Castillo Baró as the agent who repressed them in the past.
One of them stated that he was visited by the oppressor in 2018 and that he even recorded a video of the confrontation. Another recalled being interrogated by someone with the same pseudonym and similar physical traits.
Attempts at intimidation have also been documented on the streets of Havana and during arbitrary interrogations, characterized by threatening language and a violent attitude.
Several users agreed on the need to document and publicly denounce these agents so that, when the time comes, they will be held accountable for the abuses committed. "It will be filed away for when its time comes," commented one internet user. Another emphasized that "impunity will not last forever."
A celebration wrapped in controversy
The State Security, one of the most feared and opaque bodies of the Cuban regime, celebrated its 66th anniversary on March 26. The event was attended by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who praised the 66 agents present, referring to them as "fighters of silence" and "the pride of the Cuban people."
"I reaffirm the admiration and respect that the Cuban people feel for you (...) when the identity of one of you is known, there is always a particular emotion that is experienced from revolutionary feelings," said Díaz-Canel.
During the event, the leader praised the role of this repressive structure in "disrupting the enemy's plans," making a direct reference to the opposition and critics of the system. The proceedings took on a triumphalist tone, disregarding the numerous allegations of human rights violations that weigh upon this entity.
Victims of Silence
The State Security, subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), is responsible for executing arbitrary detentions, psychological intimidation, constant surveillance, smear campaigns, and forced exiles against Cuban citizens who exercise their right to free expression.
The artivist Hamlet Lavastida, who was detained for over 90 days at Villa Marista in 2021, also reported in recent days that he recognized in the same broadcast of Cuban television Colonel "Samuel", who led his interrogation. That officer pressured him to either go into exile or collaborate as an informant, under threats of surveillance even outside the island.
“I hope for the day when all these henchmen and torturers have to answer to the Cuban people. May they be subjected to public scorn,” wrote Lavastida.
The regime presents these acts as tributes to "patriotism and humility," but those who have suffered repression from State Security simply for thinking differently from the government view these celebrations as a direct affront to the pain and injustice that remain unpunished in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and the Role of State Security
Who is Reinier Castillo Baró and why is his identification important?
Reinier Castillo Baró, formerly known by the pseudonym "Captain Alexander," is an agent of the Cuban State Security recently identified by journalist Waldo Fernández Cuenca. His identification is significant as it allows his name to be recorded on the list of Cuban Repressors, a tool for holding them accountable for abuses committed. His revelation has sparked multiple reactions, highlighting his role in the repression of activists and dissidents in Cuba.
What role does State Security play in the Cuban regime?
The State Security is a repressive body of the Cuban regime, subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). It is responsible for carrying out arbitrary detentions, psychological intimidation, constant surveillance, and forced exiles against citizens exercising their right to free expression. It celebrated its 66th anniversary with an event where Miguel Díaz-Canel praised its role in the repression of dissent.
How has the community reacted to the identification of repressors of the Cuban regime?
The community, especially on social media, has responded with a strong push to identify and publicly denounce the regime's repressors in Cuba. The identification of agents like Reinier Castillo Baró has been seen as an important step towards accountability for the abuses committed. Many activists emphasize that impunity will not last forever and that these actions are crucial for the future process of justice in Cuba.
What positions has the Cuban government adopted regarding State Security?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has taken a stance of praise and justification towards the State Security. Díaz-Canel has referred to its agents as "fighters of silence" and "pride of the Cuban people," glorifying their role in "disrupting the enemy's plans," in reference to the opposition and critics of the system. This rhetoric contrasts with the numerous international reports of human rights violations.
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