The Cuban regime prevented the invited singer from performing the national anthem from attending the reception for the United States Independence Day in Havana and also unleashed a new wave of repression to stop journalists, activists, and political opponents from participating in the event organized by the U.S. Embassy.
According to reports from opposition members and human rights organizations, the measure included house arrests, arbitrary detentions, and police operations in several provinces aimed at isolating dissent and stopping any contact with U.S. diplomats.
Among those affected are prominent figures such as Berta Soler, leader of the Damas de Blanco, who was detained; writer Ángel Santiesteban; journalist Camila Acosta; and doctor and activist Oscar Elías Biscet.
In provinces such as Villa Clara, Pinar del Río, and Cienfuegos, opposition members reported being detained to prevent them from traveling to the capital, amid a context of increasing tension between the governments of Cuba and the United States.
Singer pressured not to sing the anthem
The repression extended to the cultural sphere, as can be seen in the video published on the social network Facebook. The Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer, denounced that the Cuban singer - whose name was not mentioned - invited to perform the national anthem of Bayamo during the reception was pressured by the authorities not to attend.
In light of this situation, Hammer asked the attendees to improvise the Cuban national anthem, emphasizing the regrettable repression that even hindered a symbolic act in a diplomatic context.
Strategy to isolate dissent
Cuban authorities seem to have intensified their efforts to block any interaction between dissenters and U.S. diplomats, aiming to silence critical voices and reduce the visibility of acts that highlight popular discontent.
Arrests and restrictions occur as Cuba grapples with a deep economic and social crisis, a situation that fuels the regime's fear of new protests like those on July 11, 2021 (11J).
Frequently asked questions about repression in Cuba and the actions of the regime
Why was a singer prevented from performing the national anthem at the U.S. embassy in Cuba?
The Cuban regime pressured the singer not to attend the event organized by the United States Embassy in Havana in celebration of American Independence Day. This action is part of a broader strategy to prevent any act that could be interpreted as support for dissent or U.S. diplomacy on the island.
What repressive measures did the Cuban regime implement to block the event at the U.S. embassy?
The Cuban regime has deployed house arrests, arbitrary detentions, and police operations in several provinces to prevent journalists, activists, and opponents from attending the diplomatic event. These types of actions aim to isolate dissent and minimize contact with foreign diplomats, especially during times of tension between Cuba and the United States.
Who were some of the opponents affected by the repression in Cuba during the celebration of July 4th?
Among those affected were Berta Soler, leader of the Damas de Blanco; writer Ángel Santiesteban; journalist Camila Acosta; and doctor and activist Oscar Elías Biscet. These individuals are part of a broader group of dissenters who have faced detentions and movement restrictions to prevent their participation in the event at the U.S. Embassy.
How has the United States Embassy in Cuba responded to the repression of the Cuban regime?
The United States Embassy has intensified its denunciations against repression on the island and has maintained ongoing dialogue with dissidents and families of political prisoners. The head of the diplomatic mission, Mike Hammer, has been particularly active in highlighting human rights violations and supporting Cuban civil society, which has generated tensions with the Cuban government.
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