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The renowned economist and Cuban opposition figure Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello returned to Cuba this Thursday after spending time in Miami for health reasons, where she traveled in February on a humanitarian visa to receive medical treatment.
The 79-year-old dissident arrived in Havana past three in the afternoon on an American Airlines flight from the U.S. city.
Her return came after several weeks of recovery from kidney failure related to diabetes, which had previously kept her hospitalized at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital in Havana.
In a video shared by the Legal Rescue Foundation, Roque explained that his decision to return to the island is connected to his activism.
"In this moment, the island is in a very difficult situation, not only from a political perspective, but also from an economic and social one. I would like to spend some time there to personally immerse myself in what is happening,” he expressed.
The former university professor and economist was the only woman convicted during the repressive wave of 2003, known as the Black Spring, when the regime sentenced 75 opponents.
Since then, she has been an active voice in defense of human rights and freedom of expression in Cuba.
During his most recent interview, Roque also expressed concern over the imprisonment of his former comrades, José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, whose paroles were revoked this week.
"This is something cyclical. Every time there is an outburst of dissidents who are able to reach the people and express themselves, the dictatorship suppresses them and sends them to prison," he lamented.
In 2024, Martha Beatriz Roque was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by the United States Department of State, in recognition of her tireless fight for civil rights in Cuba.
His return to the island marks a new chapter in his commitment to peaceful dissent, in a context characterized by the deepening political, economic, and social crisis in the country.
Frequently asked questions about Martha Beatriz Roque's return to Cuba
Why did Martha Beatriz Roque decide to return to Cuba?
Martha Beatriz Roque decided to return to Cuba to continue her activism at a critical moment for the island. She expressed her desire to become personally immersed in the political, economic, and social situation the country is facing. Despite her health issues, her commitment to peaceful dissent and the defense of human rights remains a priority for her.
What is the current health status of Martha Beatriz Roque?
After receiving medical treatment in Miami, Roque has experienced significant recovery from renal failure associated with his diabetes. Previously, his health had been critical, with serious complications that led him to be hospitalized several times in Havana. However, thanks to the medical care received, he has been able to stabilize and return to Cuba.
What has been Martha Beatriz Roque's role in the Cuban dissidence?
Martha Beatriz Roque is an emblematic figure of the Cuban dissidence. She was the only woman imprisoned during the Black Spring of 2003, an event in which the Cuban regime harshly repressed 75 opponents. Since then, she has been an active voice in defense of human rights and freedom of expression. Her activism has been recognized internationally, such as with the International Women of Courage Award granted by the U.S. Department of State in 2024.
How has the international community reacted to the situation of Martha Beatriz Roque?
The international community has expressed its solidarity with Martha Beatriz Roque on multiple occasions. The United States Embassy in Cuba, for example, has highlighted her role as an unwavering advocate for human rights. Additionally, her situation has been closely monitored by activists and international organizations, who have shown support for her struggle and have advocated for her well-being.
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