The Cuban activist Lara Crofs, whose real name is Yamilka Lafita and who participated in organizing the farewell mass in Havana for the child Damir Ortiz —who recently passed away—, reported on social networks that the repressive organs of State Security (SE) prohibited her from attending the farewell event scheduled for this Wednesday afternoon.
“I'm being blocked in my block to prevent me from attending Mass. According to this new regional SE officer,” Lafita emphasized in a post on Facebook, accompanied by images of the patrol vehicles placed on her street.
The mass, presided over by Father Jorge Luis and scheduled for this Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Colón cemetery in Havana, will be the moment when the community can join the child's grandmother for a final farewell from the island.
In a live broadcast conducted on Facebook minutes later, the activist explained that, although she had a strong desire to attend the ceremony, it would not be possible due to the intervention of the authorities.
"It is important for people to understand that, even though I cannot attend the mass, the important part is not me," he stated.
"This really has nothing to do with me personally; it has to do with an entire community that simply wants to come together in solidarity and empathy to show their respect," he emphasized.
Visibly affected, she expressed her anger: "The frustration I'm feeling right now is immense," but she reiterated that she does not wish to confront.
"Today is not a day for confrontation; today is not about me. If they have chosen to criminalize my pain, that is their issue," she emphasized.
The activist emphasized that the mass would take place as scheduled, at the same location and time, and encouraged those who could attend to do so in the name of Damir's grandmother, who would indeed be present.
"I will be in prayer from that time at my home and I will do what I have always done," he/she added.
Lafita also expressed deep gratitude to those who collaborated in organizing the event: “Thank you for that solidarity, for that supportive gesture, for being there with me. It's not about being with me; I am nobody, I am just an idea and a voice among many.”
In his intervention, he also denounced the use of fear as a repressive tool: “I don’t believe they would dare to hit anyone, neither inside a church nor in a cemetery. They are doing this to instill fear in me. The problem for them is me. Their problem is the connotation that the entire case has, the exposure. Their problem is that the sentiment of homeland is too big for them.”
Despite the repression, the activist urged to remain calm: “Let us have peace, let us be united. In such difficult times, let us try to maintain our composure. Do not give in to anger, do not succumb to the frustration that invades us all at some point, because it is too much.”
It concluded with a message of resilience and commitment: “I have to keep surviving because there are people who still need me here. The day they no longer feel it's necessary, I’ll take a plane and leave. But that day is not today.”
"They say I can't go out because I'm going to be arrested. I don't understand what I'm violating. This is really unnecessary," Lafita reported in another live broadcast conducted through her Facebook profile.
"A mass will be held for the repose of a child. How can this be criminalized?" said Lafita, who expressed feeling frustrated and upset at various moments by the attitude of the SE.
"What do you gain by prohibiting me from attending a mass? This time I didn't call anyone, I just said that we were going to hold a mass. This has nothing to do with a demonstration; it is an activity of mourning, of empathy. What you're doing to me makes no sense," he stated.
The activist recalled that she experienced a similar situation when her mother passed away; on that occasion, the SE filled her street with patrols.
Last Monday, Lafita shared on social media that everything was “almost ready” for the mass in tribute to Damir.
"The mass in tribute to the boy Damir that we will hold in Havana is almost ready. I will post the details of the schedule and location later. Everyone stay tuned to the wall of Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, she has the specifics," he wrote.
“Thank you to everyone who got involved to support us, to those who stopped me on the street to give me a hug, to those who went to various places searching for the best printing and framing options, flowers... in short, thank you to all,” expressed Lafita, who also shared an image of the portrait prepared to pay tribute to the little one: “This is how the portrait of our warrior turned out.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and the Case of Child Damir Ortiz
Why did the Cuban regime prevent Lara Crofs from attending the mass for Damir?
The Cuban regime prevented Lara Crofs, whose real name is Yamilka Lafita, from attending the farewell mass for the child Damir Ortiz in Havana due to her activism and critical stance against the government. The repressive organs of State Security (SE) prohibited her from attending the farewell event in an attempt to silence her voice and limit her reach in denouncing the repression in Cuba.
What was the cause of death of the child Damir Ortiz?
The child Damir Ortiz passed away due to severe sepsis caused by a resistant bacteria he contracted in Cuba. His passing occurred in the early morning of Saturday, April 5th at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. Damir had been transferred to the United States to receive specialized medical treatment not available in Cuba, but unfortunately, he did not survive.
What role did Lara Croft play in the Damir Ortiz case?
Lara Crofs, known on social media as Yamilka Lafita, was a key figure in the campaign to help Damir Ortiz receive medical treatment in the United States. She organized and led efforts to obtain a humanitarian visa for the child and publicly denounced the bureaucratic obstacles imposed by both the Cuban regime and the U.S. authorities. Her activism was crucial in mobilizing civil society and securing Damir's transfer to Miami.
How has the Cuban community reacted to Damir's death?
The Cuban community, both inside and outside the island, has reacted with deep shock and sorrow at the death of Damir Ortiz. Social media has been flooded with messages of solidarity and condolences to the family. The case of Damir has become a symbol of the struggle against repression and the shortcomings of the Cuban health system, and his passing has intensified calls for justice and changes in the regime.
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