A group of Cubans was attacked on Wednesday in Valencia, Spain, while they were peacefully demonstrating against the presence of Gabriela Fernández Álvarez, host of the pro-regime show Con Filo, one of the most propagandistic programs of the Cuban regime.
The protest, aimed at denouncing the misinformation and repression promoted by the Havana government, was interrupted by a confrontation instigated by supporters of communism.
The protesters shouted loudly "Homeland and Life!" while holding signs rejecting the regime's spokesperson. In the midst of the event, a man, apparently Spanish, aggressively approached the group and attempted to tear one of the signs, creating moments of tension and outrage.
The response from the protesters was immediate and forceful. “That’s what you do, that’s what you do! That’s what the dictatorship does, that’s what the dictatorship does, the communists!”, they shouted.
In the midst of the confusion, activist Oraisa Estrada, one of the promoters of the mobilization, let out a cry of denunciation filled with emotion and rage. “It’s not human, he’s not human, when I am Cuban.”
Fernández Álvarez, who is on tour in 15 Spanish cities under the title “Cuban Youth in the Times of Trump,” has faced harsh criticism for her role as a defender of the Cuban regime's ideological apparatus. Her program, Con Filo, is dedicated to attacking dissidents, independent journalists, and activists, both inside and outside of Cuba.
During her tour in Spain, she has faced protests in several cities, including Madrid and Málaga, where she has been accused of being a spokesperson for Cuban state propaganda. In one incident in Madrid, she responded with kisses and mockery to the peacefully protesting demonstrators.
The Cuban exile community in Spain has intensified its actions in recent years, and this protest in Valencia is a reflection of the growing rejection of Castroist propaganda in international spaces. However, acts of violence such as the one that occurred reinforce the exiles' claims about the systematic attempt to silence their voices, even in established democracies like Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protests Against Cuban Propaganda in Spain
Why are there protests against Gabriela Fernández in Spain?
The protests against Gabriela Fernández in Spain are due to her role as the spokesperson for the propaganda of the Cuban regime, through her program "Con Filo". Cuban exiles in Spain reject the dissemination of the official narrative that justifies repression and the lack of freedoms in Cuba, and seek to denounce these acts in European democratic spaces.
What incidents have occurred during the protests against Gabriela Fernández?
During the protests in cities like Valencia, Bilbao, and Madrid, violent incidents have occurred caused by communist supporters who have assaulted peaceful protesters. In some cases, Cuban exiles have been physically attacked or had objects like eggs thrown at them, creating moments of tension and highlighting attempts to silence their voices.
What is the purpose of Gabriela Fernández's tour in Spain?
Gabriela Fernández's tour of Spain aims to disseminate the official narrative of the Cuban regime in Europe. Titled "Cuban Youth in the Times of Trump," it seeks to defend the official discourse on issues such as the U.S. embargo and Cuban resistance, actively excluding critical and dissenting voices.
What reactions have Cuban exiles had to Gabriela Fernández's activities in Spain?
Cuban exiles have responded with peaceful protests to the activities of Gabriela Fernández, denouncing the use of democratic platforms to spread propaganda from a regime that oppresses its people. These demonstrations have aimed to highlight the reality of Cuba and reject the use of international spaces to legitimize the official narrative.
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