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The Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás remembered on social media Oswaldo Payá, the Cuban opposition leader who passed away in 2012, whom he described as "one of the bravest, most intelligent, and insightful men we have had as Cubans."
While sharing on his TikTok account a 2003 interview conducted with Payá by Univisión journalist Jorge Ramos, Ugás, former world boxing champion, stated that he hadn't heard of him until he emigrated to the United States, where he began to delve deeper into the history of opponents to the Cuban regime.
"I found out that Payá existed when I arrived in this country," wrote the boxer, who in recent years has become one of the most prominent voices of the Cuban sports exile on social media.
The homage to Ugás also included a reflection on the treatment received by Payá from the Cuban exile community during a visit to Miami, where he was harshly questioned for his critical stance on the U.S. embargo and for advocating peaceful avenues for political change in Cuba.
In the interview with Ramos, he stated that the embargo had not worked to defeat the regime and that he did not support Castro's assassination.
"Although he was rejected by some in exile, Payá left a legacy of courage and commitment to the freedom of Cuba. He is a Cuban hero," stated Ugás.
Oswaldo Payá founded the Christian Liberation Movement and was the main promoter of the Varela Project, a civic initiative aimed at promoting democratic reforms in Cuba through legal mechanisms recognized by the country's Constitution.
In 2002, the project gathered over 11,000 signatures of support, which compelled the Cuban government to respond. The regime's reaction was a constitutional reform that declared the socialist nature of the political system on the island to be irrevocable.
Payá passed away in 2012 in a car accident under circumstances that have never been clarified. His family and international human rights organizations have claimed that it was a political assassination carried out by the regime.
The figure of Payá has gained greater recognition in recent years, especially among young Cubans in exile and within the island, who see him as a symbol of civic resistance against the dictatorship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yordenis Ugás's Tribute to Oswaldo Payá and His Political Activism
Why does Yordenis Ugás consider Oswaldo Payá a Cuban hero?
Yordenis Ugás considers Oswaldo Payá a Cuban hero because Payá left a legacy of courage and commitment to the freedom of Cuba. Despite being rejected by some in exile because of his stances, Payá is recognized for his bravery and intelligence in the fight against the Cuban dictatorship.
What was the Varela Project promoted by Oswaldo Payá?
The Varela Project was a civic initiative led by Oswaldo Payá aimed at promoting democratic reforms in Cuba through legal mechanisms recognized by the country's Constitution. In 2002, the project gathered over 11,000 signatures, which compelled the Cuban government to respond with a constitutional reform that declared the socialist nature of the political system on the island as irrevocable.
How has Yordenis Ugás influenced the Cuban community in exile?
Yordenis Ugás has been one of the most prominent voices of the Cuban sports exile, using his platform to advocate for the freedom of Cuba and the release of political prisoners. His activism includes participating in demonstrations and expressing his commitment to the Cuban cause through his social media.
What was Yordenis Ugás's reaction upon learning about Oswaldo Payá?
Yordenis Ugás learned about Oswaldo Payá after emigrating to the United States. As he delved into the history of opponents to the Cuban regime, Ugás acknowledged Payá's courage and impact, which led him to pay public tribute to him on social media.
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