The head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, has sent a clear message to the Cuban people during a tour of the island: “I want to talk to anyone who wants to share their perspectives.”
The statement, shared through his social media in a casual tone, emphasizes the diplomat's intention to listen directly to the Cubans, at a time marked by the government's repression against dissent.
"To understand a country and its people, you have to travel through it," Hammer said in a video recorded from the streets of Cuba.
His tour includes visits to several provinces, such as Villa Clara, where he held meetings with families of political prisoners, human rights activists, and members of the Damas de Blanco movement. The diplomat reaffirmed his country's commitment to fundamental freedoms and condemned the political persecution on the island.
The images recently shared by the embassy show Hammer talking with the families of the prisoners Andy García Lorenzo and Aroni Yanko García, as well as the prominent opposition figure Guillermo “Coco” Fariñas. “We join their call for the release of all unjustly imprisoned political prisoners,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime is intensifying its offensive. This week the conditional release of opponents Félix Navarro and José Daniel Ferrer was revoked, based on legally questionable arguments.
Navarro, 72 years old and in fragile health, was accused of leaving his municipality without permission. Ferrer, leader of the UNPACU, was detained after refusing to attend hearings that he deemed illegitimate.
The regime's response has been confrontational
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos F. de Cossío, accused Hammer of behaving like “an activist who encourages Cubans to act against their country,” and justified the repressive measures as a defense against a “hostile foreign power.”
Hammer's visits and statements occur amid a new diplomatic crisis, highlighting the gap between the official Cuban discourse and the demands of citizens.
The American diplomat aims to position himself as an interlocutor open to direct dialogue with the people, while the regime intensifies repression against those demanding freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Situation in Cuba and Mike Hammer's Visit
What is the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Cuba?
The objective of the visit by Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba, is to listen and engage directly with Cuban civil society. Hammer seeks to gain a better understanding of the concerns and challenges facing the Cuban people, especially in the context of political repression. His tour includes meetings with family members of political prisoners, human rights activists, and opposition members, reaffirming the commitment of the United States to fundamental freedoms on the island.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to Mike Hammer's visit?
The Cuban regime has reacted confrontationally to Mike Hammer's visit. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, has accused Hammer of acting as an activist who incites subversion and has justified the repressive measures as a defense against a "hostile foreign power." This response reflects the increasing diplomatic tension between Cuba and the United States.
Who are some of the Cuban opposition figures mentioned during Mike Hammer's visit?
During his visit, Mike Hammer met with several prominent Cuban dissidents, including Guillermo "Coco" Fariñas and José Daniel Ferrer. Fariñas is the leader of the United Anti-Totalitarian Forum (FANTU) and a Sakharov Prize laureate, while Ferrer is the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). Both are iconic figures of Cuban dissent and have faced persecution for their activism.
What has the United States Embassy in Cuba reported regarding human rights?
The United States Embassy in Cuba has condemned the repression and arbitrary detentions of political opponents on the island. In particular, it has denounced the brutal and unjust treatment of opposition leaders such as José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro. The embassy has expressed its commitment to human rights and has called for the release of all political prisoners in Cuba.
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