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The renowned Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac raised his voice this Saturday in defense of citizens' rights in Cuba, with a clear and direct message against repression: "Stop the abuse of power and the unjustified use of force".
In a post shared on his Facebook profile, Toirac denounced the violent arrest of writer Jorge Fernández Era, who was detained again for staging a peaceful civic protest advocating for freedom of thought and the release of political prisoners.
"My admired brother Jorge Fernández Era suffered another abuse yesterday... one of many. I have to admit that he is stubborn. And brave," wrote Toirac.
According to the artist, Fernández Era holds a peaceful protest every month in Central Park of Havana as an exercise of his civic rights enshrined in the Constitution.
The action, which is being replicated in other parts of the country by people like Professor Alina Bárbara López Hernández in Matanzas, consists solely of sitting in silence with signs and public messages, without violence or party affiliation.
Despite the peaceful nature of his actions, Fernández Era has been arrested several times and has been under house arrest for the past two years, a measure that, according to Toirac, "is outside the due process."
The comedian did not hesitate to describe the use of repression by the authorities as “an abusive display of strength lacking the principles they claim to defend”.
In an ironic yet forceful tone, he pointed out the injuries suffered by Fernández Era on his wrists after being handcuffed. “It seems the handcuffs weren't his size; they put a size forty on a size twenty-two without a care.”
Toirac concluded his message with a strong call to respect the laws and citizens' rights. "Dissent is not a crime. There are laws they claim to guard. Follow the due process. And bear in mind that reputation matters. One must behave with prestige to achieve that."
The statement has resonated widely on social media, where numerous users applaud the comedian's gesture and demand guarantees for the exercise of freedom of expression and assembly on the island.
His statements add to a series of criticisms that Toirac has expressed in recent months regarding the situation in Cuba.
In March, he lamented the loss of dignity and empathy in Cuban society, pointing out that “our dignity as human beings is being destroyed.”
In January, he questioned the management of the Cuban government, stating that “the incompetence is running out of excuses”, and criticized the lack of incentives to work and produce, as well as the laws that reinforce the absence of freedoms and penalize individual opinions.
In November 2024, he expressed his pessimism about the country's future, describing the situation as a “energy breakdown” and betting on hunger as the inevitable winner in the face of governmental inaction.
Additionally, he denounced the opulence of the descendants of the ruling elite, pointing out the incongruence between the official discourse of austerity and the lavish lifestyles displayed by some relatives of government leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and Ulises Toirac's Stance
What does Ulises Toirac denounce about repression in Cuba?
Ulises Toirac denounces the unjustified use of force and the abuse of power by Cuban authorities. He criticizes that peaceful protests are repressed and activists, such as the writer Jorge Fernández Era, are arbitrarily detained, which reflects a violation of citizens' rights in Cuba.
How has Ulises Toirac responded to the arbitrary actions of the Cuban regime?
Ulises Toirac has used his social media to express himself critically and humorously about the situation in Cuba. He has pointed out the inconsistencies of the regime, the repression of freedom of expression, and the lack of fair legal processes, maintaining a strong stance in defense of citizen rights.
What impact has censorship had on Ulises Toirac?
Censorship has significantly impacted Ulises Toirac's artistic career. He has faced cancellations of performances and restrictions on his work due to the pressure from Cuban authorities, who aim to silence his criticisms of the government.
Why does Ulises Toirac criticize the lack of freedoms in Cuba?
Ulises Toirac criticizes that Cuban laws consolidate the lack of freedoms, punishing individual opinion and public expression that differs from the government. He defends the universal human right to think and express different opinions, and denounces the repression of freedom of expression on the island.
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