In a country where the repression of the Cuban regime does not even stop at healthcare facilities, a new case of harassment has sparked outrage in Sancti Spíritus: a man hospitalized at the Camilo Cienfuegos provincial hospital was threatened by State Security agents after receiving a visit from supportive activists.
The report was posted on Facebook by Yureibys Torresilla, who recounted that the patient, identified as Omar Pérez Días, originally from the El Cerro neighborhood in Las Tozas, was intimidated after being visited by him and other activists, including Yanalli González Domínguez.
According to testimonies, the elderly man was warned that if he received visits from these activists again, they could restrict the stay of his 13-year-old son, Yandry, who takes care of him every night and attends classes in the mornings.
"He practically expelled us from the hospital," Torresilla reported, explaining that after that warning, the man was moved to another bed and showed clear signs of induced fear, to the point of trembling at the sight of them approaching.
"He has induced panic regarding our people," he assured.
The activist also revealed that he had filed a formal complaint with the hospital's management board, where they assured him that they would speak with the patient to clarify that his visit did not pose any issue.
However, as reported, the situation only worsened.
Torresilla questioned how it is possible that the hospital management and other authorities claim to know nothing about the alleged "meeting" with SE officials, despite the clear impact on the patient's emotional state.
"Who visited him then? Who intimidated that man to the point that he trembles when he sees us?" he wondered.
The situation is exacerbated by Omar Pérez's family context, as he is being cared for solely by his teenage son.
"At just 13 years old, this boy takes care of his dad at night and goes to high school in the morning. It's out of love that impossible things still exist," Torresilla wrote days earlier on Facebook, when the case was just starting to gain attention.
Yureibys Torresilla has distinguished herself as one of the most dedicated activists for humanitarian causes in Sancti Spíritus, carrying out concrete actions to assist vulnerable individuals.
Alongside the Calle Brothers, they participated in a charitable event where they distributed food to homeless individuals, demonstrating a social awareness that stands in stark contrast to the institutional indifference towards extreme poverty.
Subsequently, they organized a charity meal that benefited over 90 people, a collective gesture without political motives or state support, solely based on citizen solidarity.
The initiative was a reflection of Torresilla's community leadership and its ability to mobilize support in challenging contexts.
In addition to these collective actions, he has also made deeply personal gestures. In a symbolic act of great emotional significance, he turned a birthday gift into tangible aid for a family in a critical situation, reaffirming his ethical commitment to those facing the greatest hardships.
Although its humanitarian work aims to address urgent needs and mobilizes citizen support, it contrasts sharply with the response from State Security, which launched an attack against a vulnerable family that was merely receiving assistance.
Frequently asked questions about intimidation in hospitals and the role of the Cuban government
What happened to Omar Pérez Díaz at the Camilo Cienfuegos provincial hospital in Sancti Spíritus?
Omar Pérez Díaz was threatened by State Security agents after receiving a visit from supportive activists in the hospital. He was warned that if he continued to receive visits from these activists, they could restrict the stay of his 13-year-old son, who takes care of him every night.
How has the hospital responded to the complaint regarding intimidation towards the patient?
The activist Yureibys Torresilla filed a formal complaint with the hospital's management council, who assured that they would speak with the patient to clarify that the activists' visit did not pose a problem. However, the situation only worsened, as the patient displayed signs of induced fear.
What role do social media play in reporting abuses in Cuba?
Social media has been crucial in bringing to light cases of abuse and neglect in Cuba. Activists such as Yureibys Torresilla and others have used platforms like Facebook to report situations of repression and abandonment, which has generated solidarity and public pressure to take action accordingly.
How does repression affect activists and their environments in Cuba?
The repression in Cuba severely affects activists and their surroundings, who face intimidation from State Security, arbitrary detentions, and threats. These actions aim to silence critical voices and limit civic solidarity, also impacting the families and friends of the activists.
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