Raymar Aguado Hernández, a young Cuban activist and critic of the regime, was detained this Wednesday by State Security (DSE) following his public support for the university strike and his opposition to the recent increase in rates by ETECSA, the state telecommunications company.
According to Aguado's report on his social media, around 11:00 a.m. an officer from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) and the DSE arrived at his home without identifying themselves to inform him that a patrol was waiting to take him to the Zanja and Dragones police station.
There, he was interrogated, subjected to insults, shouting, and threats. The agents accused him of being “counter-revolutionary,” “anti-Cuban,” and a “mercenary,” the young man, a former student of the Faculty of Psychology, expressed.
After the interrogation, he was issued a "Warning Record," in which he is accused of inciting disorder and committing crimes for "encouraging university students to defend their rights as stated in university statutes," an action that—according to the officials—constitutes a violation in Cuba.
During the detention, Raymar's father was also approached by DSE agents, who showed him photos of his son's posts and asked him to intervene to persuade him to abandon his activism.
Raymar Aguado has been one of the most visible young voices of the critical left in Cuba, taking a stand against political repression, social inequalities, and more recently, the rate increase by ETECSA that has caused discontent among students, users, and popular sectors.
"My activism will not be deterred by more interrogations, threats, and warning notices that they want to impose on me. The rate hike is a robbery, and we must confront it," he stated.
The case of Raymar Aguado Hernández adds to a growing list of arrests and acts of harassment against activists, opponents, journalists, and citizens who express their disagreement with the policies of the Cuban government.
In a context of escalating economic and social crisis, the Cuban regime continues to strengthen its repressive apparatus against any form of dissent, even when it comes from critical sectors within the left, traditionally aligned with the official revolutionary discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and ETECSA's Price Hike
Why was Raymar Aguado Hernández arrested in Cuba?
Raymar Aguado Hernández was arrested by State Security after supporting a university strike and opposing the rate increase by ETECSA, the state telecommunications company. During his detention, he was accused of inciting disorder and received a warning notice. His case is part of a series of acts of repression against activists and opponents in Cuba.
What is the ETECSA rate hike in Cuba?
The tariff increase by ETECSA refers to the recent rise in fees for telecommunications services in Cuba, which has generated significant discontent among the population. This measure has been criticized as a "theft" and for increasing inequality, as many Cubans cannot afford the new cost of Internet access, which is now partially dollarized.
How has the Cuban student community reacted to ETECSA's rate hike?
The Cuban student community has reacted with protests and university strikes against the price hike imposed by ETECSA. Students from various universities have voiced their discontent, accusing the company of legitimizing informational inequality and restricting access to education and information. The protests have been supported by statements and actions in several educational institutions across the country.
What role does State Security play in the protests against the rate increase in Cuba?
The State Security in Cuba has played a repressive role in response to the protests against ETECSA's rate increase, intimidating and detaining activists and students who publicly oppose the government's measures. This pattern of repression seeks to silence criticism and maintain control over dissent on the island.
What is the stance of the Cuban government regarding the discontent over ETECSA's rate hike?
The Cuban government has maintained its stance of not reversing the increase in rates of ETECSA, justifying the measure as necessary to sustain telecommunications services. Despite protests and social discontent, the government insists that this sacrifice is essential to avoid a technological collapse in the country.
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