The national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) and former Cuban spy, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, continues his trip in Italy enjoying a summer without blackouts.
This time, the former spy was photographed in the beautiful Piedmont commune of Collegno, in the province of Turin, where he posed next to a plaque of Che Guevara in the square named after him, according to Cubadebate.
The visit of the CDR coordinator has been organized by the National Association of Friendship Italy-Cuba (Anaic).
Hernández Nordelo was welcomed by Matteo Cavallone, the mayor of that locality. In addition to the event at the plaza of the Argentine guerrilla fighter, the former member of the Red Avispa toured the community.
He, also a member of the State Council of the regime, will be in Italy until next Wednesday, where he has carried out a "comprehensive activity plan in Rome, as well as in various cities in the regions of Campania, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont, including his participation in the National Festival of Anaic, as well as in various meetings with friends of Cuba."
On June 24, Hernández Nordelo made his first public appearance in Italy, just weeks after publicly describing Europe as a "failed continent."
The images of Gerardo Hernández smiling in Rome were seen by many as an act of cynicism, especially at a time when millions of Cubans are living under rationing, blackouts, and repression.
The tour of the head of the CDR, a neighborhood surveillance structure that supports the regime politically, has been met with rejection from the diaspora and human rights defenders, who see him as a privileged spokesperson for the repressive apparatus of Havana, now visiting the same countries he previously disparaged.
Frequently asked questions about Gerardo Hernández's trip to Italy and the situation in Cuba
Why is Gerardo Hernández's trip to Italy being criticized?
Gerardo Hernández's trip to Italy has been criticized for its cynicism, as he enjoys a summer without blackouts while millions of Cubans face rationing and repression. Furthermore, his visit to Europe comes shortly after he called the continent "failed," which has generated outrage and rejection both among the Cuban diaspora and among human rights defenders.
What activities has Gerardo Hernández carried out in Italy?
During his stay in Italy, Gerardo Hernández took part in a "broad plan of activities", including events in Rome and various Italian regions such as Campania, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. He attended the National Festival of the National Association of Italy-Cuba Friendship (Anaic) and meetings with supporters of the Cuban regime.
How has the international community reacted to Gerardo Hernández's trip?
The tour of Gerardo Hernández has been met with rejection from the Cuban diaspora and human rights defenders, who view him as a privileged spokesperson for the repressive apparatus of Havana. His presence in the countries he previously denigrated has been seen as an act of hypocrisy and cynicism.
What impact does Gerardo Hernández's journey have on the perception of the Cuban regime?
The trip of Gerardo Hernández reinforces the perception of disconnection between the Cuban political elite and the reality faced by the majority of the Cuban people. The tour highlights the contradictions of the regime, which sends its representatives abroad while the country suffers from an unprecedented energy and social crisis, generating outrage and criticism toward the ruling elite.
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