The Cuban State Security has carried out a new act of harassment against the mother of the renowned activists Ariel and Omara Ruiz Urquiola, by breaking into her farm in Viñales, Pinar del Río province, and once again stealing animals under administrative pretenses and with the complicity of civilian actors linked to the regime.
The complaint was publicly made by Omara, who warned that state agents broke the doors of the property and told her mother that "that land belongs to Viñales Park" before taking the animals away. Among them were a cow and her calf known as Natividad and Nacho, forcibly taken to the home of a local farmer.
"They took Natividad and Nacho, breaking through the fences, and brought them to the house of 'el niño Dopico,' a snitch farmer who has agreed to partake in this infamy, and he says he doesn't want to be paid for the 'damage,'” Omara recounted on Facebook.
Isabel, the mother of Ariel and Omara, tried to recover the animals on her own, trusting that she could still appeal to the humanity of the farmer involved.
However, he ultimately confirmed that he had already coordinated with Carlos Fleitas, identified by Omara as “the chief hitman of Livestock” in the Delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture in Viñales, to arrange a new seizure the following day along with “two other thugs.”
"She invented a supposed injury in the middle of a parched land where there is nothing to damage; it’s obvious she received no compensation," the activist said indignantly.
For Omara, this episode represents the continuation of a historical practice of looting and humiliation against free peasants and opponents, even recalling the origins of the Castro family in Birán.
"This is everything the Castro family has achieved in over six decades, the same as what the thief Ángel Castro did in Birán: steal. So much going in circles to get back to the beginning. They cannot create, they only enhance human misery.", he wrote.
The aggression is not only about a material loss. According to the complaint, it is a punishment aimed at a woman who has educated generations and represents a pillar of dignity for the family. “Envious of her intelligence, honesty, and love, they go against this woman who has educated hundreds and continues to give life.”
This act of repression adds to a similar incident that occurred just two months ago. On February 22, the Cuban regime confiscated eight animals from the farm of the Ruiz Urquiola brothers, citing alleged damage to crops. At that time, the family denounced the arbitrariness of the measure and the use of state institutions as instruments of political punishment.
In November 2024, the institutional harassment of Isabel was also publicly denounced, who has been subjected to surveillance, confiscation of property, and destruction of agricultural infrastructure.
"Isabel's farm has been attacked for years. It's not just land or livestock: it's her livelihood, her dignity, and her legacy as a mother and educator," then stated family and friends.
Despite the fact that the family has legal documentation of usufruct for the lands they have cultivated for years, the regime insists that they are located within the Viñales National Park, using this argument to justify the harassment.
However, activists and human rights defenders have denounced that this is a deliberate strategy to economically suffocate opponents, using state officials and subordinate civilians to carry out the orders.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Harassment of the Ruiz Urquiola Family in Cuba
What happened at the farm of Ariel and Omara Ruiz Urquiola's mother in Viñales?
The Cuban State Security raided the farm of Ariel and Omara Ruiz Urquiola's mother and took away animals, such as a cow and her calf, under administrative pretexts. This act has been reported as a new episode of harassment against the family for their opposition to the regime.
What is the background of the conflict between the Ruiz Urquiola family and the Cuban regime?
The Ruiz Urquiola family has been the target of reprisals by the regime due to their opposition activism. The government has used legal pretexts to harass them, such as the termination of land usufruct and confiscation of assets, with the aim of economically suffocating dissenters.
How has the Ruiz Urquiola family responded to these aggressions from the Cuban regime?
The family has publicly denounced these actions as part of a strategy for political punishment. Omara Ruiz Urquiola has stated that, despite the pressures, they will not be intimidated and will continue to fight for their rights and those of their mother.
Why does the Cuban regime justify its actions against the Ruiz Urquiola farm?
The Cuban regime claims that the family's lands are located within the Viñales National Park and uses this argument to justify harassment. However, activists denounce that this is a maneuver to silence opponents of the regime.
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