The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel congratulated Cuban fathers, and Cubans reminded him that due to his government, many have nothing to celebrate on this date.
Díaz-Canel posted on X a postcard on behalf of himself, his wife Lis Cuesta, and their family, featuring three generations of Cuban farmers.
"More than 100 years ago, the Ortúzar family enriched the land of Pinar with sacrifice, innovation, and love for Cuba. A father, Hero of Labor, inspires two generations to uphold the tradition. Congratulations to the Cuban fathers who teach their descendants the value of virtue," reads the postcard.
However, beyond the regime's propaganda, for many Cubans, it is a day of sadness.
“On a day like today in Dictatorship, sadness fills the air. Parents are separated from their children by forced exile, parents imprisoned for thinking differently, parents with nothing to offer their children because a regime has stolen their dreams. This is the reality of today's Cuba, a land without a future. FailedState,” reads a comment from an internet user.
An example of those parents who fight for their children's freedom is Wilber Aguilar Bravo, the father of the Cuban political prisoner Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera.
Wilber, who visited his son in prison a few weeks ago, called for freedom for Cuba and for Walnier on this day filled with significance.
"Cuban parents have either starved to death or died of sorrow because their children had to escape your dictatorship," commented another internet user.
For its part, the independent media outlet La Hora de Cuba recalled several of the parents currently imprisoned in Cuba for political reasons.
These Cuban parents are political prisoners today. There are more, many more. We mention these:
José Daniel Ferrer García
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara,
Jorge Martín Perdomo,
Félix Navarro Rodríguez,
Yosvany Rosell García
Nadir Martín Perdomo,
Maykel "Osorbo" Castillo Pérez
Yadir Ayala Ibáñez,
Roberto Pérez Fonseca
Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez García
Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivero.
“Let shame fall upon a dictatorship that separates parents from their children,” reads a post from the independent media.
Frequently Asked Questions about Miguel Díaz-Canel's Statements and the Situation in Cuba
Why have Díaz-Canel's congratulations to Cuban fathers generated controversy?
Díaz-Canel's congratulations to Cuban fathers have generated controversy because many citizens believe that his message is disconnected from the reality that families in Cuba are facing. In a context of economic crisis, political repression, and family separation due to exile, the leader's words are seen as insensitive propaganda from the regime.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
Currently, Cuba holds more than 1,150 political prisoners in its jails, according to independent media and human rights organizations. These include family members who have been imprisoned for their political views or for participating in protests, reflecting the regime's repression against dissent.
How does the economic crisis affect Cuban families on Father's Day?
The economic crisis deeply affects Cuban families on Father's Day, as many fathers are unable to adequately provide for their children due to the shortage of food, medicines, and other basic goods. This context of precariousness and lack of opportunities has led many Cubans to feel that they have little reason to celebrate.
What role does the regime's propaganda play in public celebrations in Cuba?
The regime's propaganda plays a central role in public celebrations in Cuba, as seen in Díaz-Canel's congratulatory messages. These messages often highlight an exaggerated sense of optimism and an acknowledgment of the Cuban people that contrasts with the harsh reality they face daily, leading to criticisms of disconnection and a lack of empathy towards the real problems of the population.
Filed under: