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The head of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, visited the economist and prominent opposition figure Marta Beatriz Roque at her residence in Havana, following her return to the island after receiving medical treatment in Miami.
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba shared a photograph of the meeting on Thursday, where Hammer is seen sitting next to Roque. The official post mentioned that the activist "is feeling better after her medical treatment in Miami," where she traveled in February on a humanitarian visa.
Roque, 79 years old, spent several weeks in the United States receiving specialized care for kidney failure resulting from complications related to diabetes. His health had been a concern in recent months, following his admission in critical condition to the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital in Havana at the beginning of the year.
During her stay in Miami, the former university professor continued to denounce the human rights situation in Cuba. Upon returning to Havana, she expressed her intention to "personally immerse herself in what is happening" on the island amid the growing political, economic, and social crisis.
"At this moment, the island is in a very difficult situation. I would like to spend some time here to better understand everything our people are experiencing," he stated in a video released by the Fundación Rescate Jurídico.
In his most recent public appearance, Roque also expressed concern over the imprisonment of his fellow activists, José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, who have been returned to prison following the revocation of their conditional releases.
Mike Hammer had already visited Roque last February, when the opponent was admitted in critical condition at the Manuel Fajardo Hospital.
Marta Beatriz Roque was the only woman sentenced during the so-called Black Spring of 2003, when the Cuban regime imprisoned 75 opponents. Her work in the defense of human rights was acknowledged in 2024 with the International Women of Courage Award, presented by the U.S. Department of State.
The new meeting between Roque and the U.S. diplomat underscores Washington's ongoing support for the democratic opposition in Cuba and the historical role of the economist in the fight for freedom and civil rights on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health and Activism of Marta Beatriz Roque in Cuba
What is the current health status of Marta Beatriz Roque?
After receiving medical treatment in Miami for complications related to diabetes and kidney failure, Marta Beatriz Roque is doing better and has returned to Cuba. Her health condition had been critical, requiring specialized care in the United States.
Why is Marta Beatriz Roque important in the Cuban opposition?
Marta Beatriz Roque is an emblematic figure of the Cuban dissidence. She was the only woman imprisoned during the Black Spring of 2003 and has dedicated decades to the defense of human rights on the island, standing up to the Cuban socialist regime.
What recent actions has Marta Beatriz Roque taken since her return to Cuba?
After returning to Cuba, Marta Beatriz Roque has expressed her intention to continue her activism, denouncing the human rights situation and the political, economic, and social crisis on the island. She also expressed her concern about the imprisonment of her fellow opposition members, José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro.
What has been the role of the U.S. Embassy in the situation of Marta Beatriz Roque?
The United States Embassy in Cuba has expressed its support for Marta Beatriz Roque, highlighting her role as a human rights advocate. The head of the Diplomatic Mission, Mike Hammer, has visited Roque on several occasions, emphasizing Washington's backing of the democratic opposition in Cuba.
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