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The leader of the opposition movement Ladies in White, Berta Soler, and her husband, former political prisoner Ángel Moya Acosta, have been placed under house arrest for 48 days, as they themselves confirmed to the agency EFE.
The measure was imposed by the Cuban regime following its participation in a religious activity alongside the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana.
"Our phones were seized and registered without our consent," Moya reported to EFE on Saturday.
Additionally, the organization's headquarters in the Havana neighborhood of Lawton is under siege and without internet service.
"Tomorrow (Sunday) we will go out because we do not accept house arrest; our headquarters is not a dungeon, and from a moral and ethical standpoint, we cannot accept it," he stated.
The couple was arrested last Thursday in broad daylight by State Security agents, who informed them that they were under investigation for "attempting against the established constitutional order" by meeting with foreign officials.
Both were taken separately to police stations, where they were held for over 24 hours before being released under the precautionary measure of house arrest.
The reason for the arrest, they explained, was her attendance at the Palm Sunday mass in Havana, accompanied by Mike Hammer, the chargé d'affaires of the United States Embassy.
The presence of the American diplomat at the last mass was also surrounded by security.
According to Moya's report, State Security agents recorded with video cameras while Soler and Hammer were getting out of the diplomatic vehicle, a practice of intimidation that he claims has become common in recent years.
The gesture of the official was seen by the regime as a symbolic act of support for the peaceful activism represented by the Ladies in White.
A systematic and sustained repression
Since its founding in 2003, the Damas de Blanco collective has been subject to constant repression by the Cuban regime.
Arising after the mass arrests of the so-called Black Spring, the group is known for wearing white and holding peaceful marches after attending Mass, demanding the release of political prisoners.
Berta Soler, the main figure of the movement, has reported almost weekly arbitrary detentions, mostly on Sundays, when they attempt to go to churches to exercise their right to religious freedom.
This latest arrest adds to a pattern of surveillance, violence, and harassment documented over more than two decades.
Without access to basic rights
In addition to the forced isolation, the headquarters of the Ladies in White remains blocked by police agents, restricting the free movement of its members.
Despite the restrictions, the couple has reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful fight for human rights and civil liberties in Cuba.
International support
Mike Hammer's presence at the mass and his close relationship with the Cuban dissidence have been viewed as an attempt to strengthen the United States' diplomatic support for civil society.
Since his arrival on the Island in November 2024, the official has held meetings with activists, religious leaders, and independent artists.
The situation of Soler and Moya has raised concern among international human rights organizations, which have reiterated the call to end the repression against those who peacefully exercise their constitutional rights.
The current repression reflects the continuity of a systematic policy against dissenting voices, in a context where social and political control remains the priority of the dictatorship.
Despite the decades that have passed since their founding, the Ladies in White continue to face repression, fines, and arrests, demonstrating that the cost of dissent in Cuba remains high.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and the Case of Berta Soler and Ángel Moya
Why are Berta Soler and Ángel Moya under house arrest?
Berta Soler and Ángel Moya were placed under house arrest by the Cuban regime after attending a religious event with Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana. The measure was imposed for meeting with foreign officials and "threatening the established constitutional order."
What actions has the Cuban regime taken against the Ladies in White?
The Damas de Blanco have been subjected to constant repression since their founding in 2003. The Cuban regime has carried out arbitrary arrests, surveillance, and harassment against its members, especially on Sundays when they attempt to attend mass. The organization has been fined and its members detained weekly for exercising their right to peaceful protest.
What role does the United States play in supporting Cuban dissidence?
The United States has shown its support for the Cuban dissidence through diplomatic actions and meetings with opposition members. Mike Hammer's presence at religious activities alongside opposition figures is seen as a symbolic endorsement of peaceful activism in Cuba. Additionally, the United States has made calls in favor of human rights and fundamental freedoms on the island.
What is the situation of human rights in Cuba according to international organizations?
International human rights organizations have expressed concern over the systematic repression in Cuba. The current situation reflects a sustained policy of harassment and violence against dissenting voices, highlighting a priority for social and political control for the dictatorship. There are constant calls to end the repression and release political prisoners on the island.
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