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Amid the growing scene of university protests in Cuba against the rate hike imposed by the state-owned company ETECSA, the voice of Marta Perdomo Benítez, mother of political prisoners Jorge and Nadir Martín Perdomo, has joined in with an emotional message of support.
From her Facebook account, Marta wrote: "I, Marta Perdomo Benítez, mother of Jorge and Nadir Martín Perdomo - the so-called brothers from San José de Las Lajas - as young professionals... we tell the university students that we are with you."
"You are the strength to move forward. My children, for demanding their rights, are now completing 6 and 8 years of deprivation of liberty, but you have had the courage to come together and demand yours," he added.
The distressed woman ended the post with a plea to the other Cuban mothers: "Don't leave your children alone. Freedom for Jorge and Nadir, freedom for all political prisoners!"
His children, Jorge and Nadir, were arrested on July 17, 2021, after participating in the historic demonstrations on July 11 in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque.
Condemned to six and eight years in prison respectively, they have become symbols of the repression against the peaceful protests of Cuban youth. Their mother has since maintained a constant public denunciation despite the regime's threats.
Marta's message arrives at a time when students from various universities across the country, including those from the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Havana, have mobilized—through statements, public denunciations, and a strike—in rejection of the new rates imposed by ETECSA.
The words of this woman connect generations of young Cubans who have been repressed for expressing their discontent, and represent a supportive bridge between those who have paid with their freedom for raising their voice and those who dare to do so today.
The injustice against the brothers of San José de las Lajas
Jorge and Nadir, both professionals—one in Mathematics and Computer Science, the other in Foreign Languages—received their first prison pass after more than two years of confinement in mid-September 2023.
The images of their temporary return home, marked by emotion and the visible thinness of the young people, shocked those who are following their case.
After his arrest, his parents reported that the government fabricated charges to keep them in prison and threatened them due to their online posts.
At first, they were charged with conspiracy, and later additional charges of inciting delinquency, public disorder, contempt, and spreading an epidemic were added.
The youths' lawyer filed an appeal and questioned an evident bias of the court in discrediting the defense's evidence without comparing it to other proofs.
The mother reported that the trial was filled with lies. She said that her son Nadir was brought before her "wearing the 'shakiras', as if he were a criminal." The prison authorities separated the brothers, adding another layer of torment against them.
In April 2022, the Provincial Court of Mayabeque denied the appeal of the brothers.
A Cuban mother against the dictatorship
Marta Perdomo has become one of the most prominent figures in the fight for the freedom of Cuban political prisoners.
His message to the students is not only a show of support but also a call to families not to turn their backs on their children when they decide to exercise their right to protest: "You are the strength to move forward."
In this moment of social unrest, their voice joins others, both on and off the Island, calling for justice, rights, and the freedom of those who have been punished for dreaming out loud.
Frequently Asked Questions about University Protests and Repression in Cuba
Why are university students protesting in Cuba?
The university protests in Cuba have been triggered by the "tarifazo" imposed by the state-owned company ETECSA, which has significantly increased the prices of telecommunications services, particularly affecting students and those with fewer resources. These rates have been perceived as a form of economic repression that limits access to the internet and communication, which are essential for education and personal development.
Who are Jorge and Nadir Martín Perdomo?
Jorge and Nadir Martín Perdomo are Cuban political prisoners imprisoned after participating in the demonstrations on July 11, 2021, in San José de las Lajas. They were sentenced to six and eight years in prison respectively, and have become symbols of the repression against the Cuban youth who peacefully protest. Their mother, Marta Perdomo Benítez, has been a constant voice in denouncing the injustices committed against them.
What role do public figures play in the protests against the Cuban regime?
Public figures such as singer Haydée Milanés and actress Amarilys Núñez have expressed their support for the student protests in Cuba, emphasizing the importance of raising one's voice against injustices and repression. These statements help bring visibility to the cause and provide solidarity to the demonstrators, reinforcing the message that change is possible through peaceful protest and unity.
What has been the Cuban regime's response to the university protests?
The Cuban regime has responded to the university protests with repression and stigmatization, blaming alleged subversive campaigns promoted from abroad. Additionally, it has downplayed the protests and maintained its inflexible stance regarding the increase in tariffs, justifying these measures as necessary to sustain telecommunications services.
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