The Cuban journalist Mario J. Pentón surprised the former spy of the Cuban regime Fernando González Llort, the current president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), at the Barajas Airport in Madrid.
González was in transit through the capital. Pentón documented the encounter in a video published on his social media, in which he directly questions the former spy about his presence in Europe while the Cuban people face hunger, blackouts, and a desperate economic situation.
"What are you doing in Spain while the people of Cuba are surviving in misery and blackouts?" asked Pentón. The former agent, one of the so-called "Five Heroes" of the regime, avoided answering and did not provide any statements.
Fernando González was accompanied by a woman and the Cuban diplomat Indira Groero, who tried to stop the recording by calling the airport police. However, the officers not only allowed the recording to continue but also expressed solidarity with the Cuban cause.
"You thought that by calling the police, you would get me into trouble or erase the video. Spain is not Cuba. On the contrary, they showed solidarity with the Cuban people and their yearning for freedom," Pentón stated.
González Llort was one of the regime agents convicted in the United States for espionage in the 1990s, and was repatriated to Cuba as part of an exchange initiated by the government of Barack Obama.
Since then, he has been promoted by the Cuban authorities to diplomatic and political positions, with frequent international missions representing the government.
This new episode highlights the stark contrast between the privileges enjoyed by high-ranking officials of the regime and the extreme living conditions experienced by the majority of the Cuban population.
Why was González Llort in Spain?
In a longer video on YouTube, Pentón explained that he was on vacation in Spain and, as he was preparing to return to the United States, he encountered the former spy at Barajas Airport and recognized him immediately.
González was reportedly in Spain participating in several events organized by the Cuban embassy to celebrate the 65th anniversary of solidarity with Cuba. The Minister of Public Health, Dr. José Ángel Portal Miranda, also took part in one of the activities.
"Amidst the crisis and power outages in Cuba, these officials are traveling the world with the money of the Cubans," Pentón concluded. His video advocating this claim has received thousands of supportive messages from Cubans, both on the island and abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mario J. Pentón's meeting with Fernando González in Madrid
Who is Fernando González Llort and why is he relevant?
Fernando González Llort is a former Cuban spy and one of the "Five Heroes" of the Cuban regime, who were convicted in the United States for espionage in the 1990s. Currently, González is the president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and undertakes international missions on behalf of the Cuban government. His significance lies in his past as a spy and his current role within the Cuban regime.
What happened during the meeting between Mario J. Pentón and Fernando González at the Barajas airport?
The Cuban journalist Mario J. Pentón met with Fernando González Llort at the Barajas airport in Madrid and questioned him about his presence in Europe while the Cuban people are facing economic crises and blackouts. González avoided answering the questions and called the police in an attempt to stop the recording. However, the officers allowed Pentón to continue recording and expressed solidarity with the Cuban cause.
Why is the Cuban regime criticized in the context of this meeting?
The Cuban regime is criticized for granting privileges to its high-ranking officials while the majority of the population endures extreme living conditions, such as hunger and frequent blackouts. Pentón's meeting with González highlights this disparity, as the former spy enjoys international travel while the Cuban people face a desperate economic situation.
Filed under:
