The journalist Mario J. Pentón from Martí Noticias and activist Magdiel Jorge Castro revealed this weekend the true identities of the alleged "spontaneous" citizens who confronted the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Cuba, Mike Hammer, during a stroll in Varadero.
What the regime tried to present as a casual scene was, in reality, yet another clumsily orchestrated episode in its campaign of harassment against the American diplomat.
Pentón identified the man as Ricardo Roberto Figueredo Arce, known in Varadero as "Figueredo," and his wife, Marta López Díaz.
"This elderly couple has a long history of closeness with the Cuban regime," explained the reporter, adding that both have been closely connected to the grassroots repressive structures.
Figueredo is a U.S. citizen, born in 1947 in the state of Georgia, which has not been an obstacle to his staunch defense of communism. His wife has been the president of the Defense Committee of the Revolution in their neighborhood for many years.
Neighbors from Varadero quickly contacted Pentón to report that both are widely condemned in the community for their ties to the regime and their participation in political events organized by the government.
"Both extremely communist, with their entire family already in the United States," Pentón said, noting an ironic fact: As an American citizen, Figueredo travels frequently and returned to Cuba just this past March from Tampa.
For his part, Magdiel Jorge Castro shared on Facebook a video from 2023 showing Figueredo receiving a diploma as a "distinguished cedera" at an official event, attended by Elián González.
"Do you remember the gentleman who confronted the Chief of the U.S. Mission during a tour of Varadero? Here he is receiving a diploma," wrote the activist, thus confirming the manufactured nature of the alleged "meeting" with Hammer.
The incident occurred while the diplomat was on a private visit to Varadero with his family.
Fue abordado por un grupo de tres o cuatro personas que, Under the guise of ordinary passersby, they confronted him with questions about the embargo y la política de su gobierno hacia Cuba. Una cámara apareció de inmediato para grabar el intercambio, lo cual no dejó dudas sobre el montaje.
During the brief exchange, one of the provocateurs shot back: "The Cuban people have already decided! And they decided on the Revolution!" To which Hammer calmly replied, "And what about those who were born after '59?" Immediately afterward, he chose to withdraw, maintaining diplomatic courtesy.
The video was disseminated by the account affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, "La Tía Carmen," a regular spokesperson for the propaganda apparatus.
The content aimed to discredit the official, labeling him as an interventionist and portraying his visit as illegal under the regulations of the embargo, while mocking his comments about the presence of Russian tourists in the area.
The very Hammer reacted to the incident with irony in a video published by the diplomatic mission: "I should tell you that an older couple approached wanting to criticize the policies of the U.S., which, well, is their right, right? The curious thing is that someone immediately came over to film everything. So, I don’t know if it was staged. You all know better than I do."
This episode adds to another that occurred in early June on the Regla ferry, where agents from State Security disguised as civilians boarded. The scene was also recorded and spread through official channels, as part of the same strategy of harassment.
Since his arrival in Havana in 2023, Mike Hammer has taken a strong stance in favor of fundamental freedoms in Cuba.
He has condemned the repression against activists, journalists, and opposition members, and has expressed solidarity with civil society during his visits to various provinces of the country.
Recently, he has traveled through Bejucal, Artemisa, San Antonio de los Baños, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Villa Clara, and Mayabeque, meeting with volunteers, as well as elderly individuals and young people connected to the Catholic Church.
The regime's hostility towards him has been escalating. On May 25, Lis Cuesta, the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, called him "shameless" on social media, stating that "he doesn't even qualify as a serious enemy."
The orchestrated campaign against the American diplomat not only reveals the regime's fear of his growing popularity among Cubans, but also the level of cynicism they are willing to reach: using a couple of regime activists—including an American citizen—to feign popular support and stage a repudiation act in front of the cameras.
As many users commented on social media, "I have no proof that it was all staged, but I also have no doubts."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident with Mike Hammer in Varadero and the Harassment by the Cuban Regime
Who are the people who confronted Mike Hammer in Varadero?
The individuals who confronted Mike Hammer in Varadero were identified as Ricardo Roberto Figueredo Arce and his wife Marta López Díaz. Both have known connections to the Cuban regime and have participated in political events organized by the authorities. Figueredo, despite being a U.S. citizen, is a supporter of communism, and his wife has led the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution in their neighborhood.
Why is it considered that the meeting with Hammer was staged?
The meeting with Hammer was deemed staged because it was orchestrated to simulate a spontaneous interaction with ordinary citizens, but it was immediately recorded by a camera. The individuals involved already had ties to the regime, and the video was used by state media to discredit the American diplomat. Such tactics have been employed in other instances to harass Hammer.
How has Mike Hammer reacted to these provocations from the Cuban regime?
Mike Hammer has responded to the provocations of the Cuban regime with calmness and diplomacy. In his statements, he has portrayed the situation as an attempt at harassment and has continued with his agenda of direct engagement with Cuban civil society. Despite the surveillance and provocations, Hammer continues to promote democratic values and defends his right to interact with Cuban citizens.
What is the Cuban government's stance on Mike Hammer's actions?
The Cuban government has intensified its attacks against Mike Hammer, accusing him of interference and attempting to destabilize the country. Through official statements and social media campaigns, the regime has sought to discredit the U.S. diplomat, labeling his actions as part of a hybrid warfare strategy. However, Hammer has maintained his focus on highlighting the reality of the Cuban people.
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