The young Brian Ernesto Cendolla Quintero, 20 years old, was arbitrarily arrested last Friday due to the recent anti-government protest in Guanabacoa, Havana.
The independent outlet Cubanet, reported that “Brian was arrested after responding to an official summons at the police station in his municipality. He had already expressed fear of possible reprisals due to his family connection to Sunamis Quintero García, a mother who was violently detained in her home while shouting ‘Freedom!’ and ‘Long live free Cuba!’”.
Cendolla Quintero was transferred to the Villa Marista State Security prison in Havana after allegedly appearing in videos shouting slogans during the demonstration, the information specifies.
According to the organization Cubalex, from June 29 to Sunday, July 6, at least six people have been arbitrarily detained in Guanabacoa following the protest.
In addition to the 20-year-old, those arrested include the aforementioned Sunamis Quintero García, Hiromi Moliner and her husband (known as "El Nene," whose identity is still pending verification), as well as their children Donovan Fernando López and Deyanira López.
“The regime's response to popular discontent has once again been violent repression. From Cubalex, we demand the immediate cessation of arbitrary detentions and the release of all individuals deprived of their liberty for exercising their right to protest,” the organization states.
Protest in Guanabacoa
On June 29th, forces of the Cuban regime violently suppressed a citizen protest in the municipality of Guanabacoa, where residents took to the streets to express their discontent over the ongoing blackouts and lack of water.
"Arbitrary arrests have been reported following the citizen protest on June 29 in the municipality of Guanabacoa, amid growing discontent over the severe deterioration of living conditions in Cuba. The regime responded with violence, repressing the demonstration and arresting several local residents," denounced Cubalex on their social media.
In the case of the mother Hiromi Moliner, Cubalex warned that her detention is "especially alarming, as she has a critical health condition: she underwent breast cancer surgery about a year ago and requires specialized medical attention." Moliner is also the mother of two minors, who have been placed in the care of relatives.
Cubalex added that, according to the information received, the four family members were initially taken to the PNR station in Alamar and later to Villa Marista, where they are being held incommunicado.
The statement also warned about the arrest of Quintero García, a case that had been reported by activists and independent media. The young woman, a mother of a five-year-old girl and a one-year-old baby, "was violently arrested at her doorstep by three police officers while shouting 'Freedom!' and 'Long live a free Cuba!'."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protest in Guanabacoa and Arbitrary Arrests in Cuba
How many people have been arrested for the protest in Guanabacoa?
At least six people have been arbitrarily detained by the Cuban regime's forces following the protest in Guanabacoa, which took place on June 29. Among those detained are Brian Ernesto Cendolla Quintero and members of the family of Sunamis Quintero García.
What motivated the protest in Guanabacoa?
The demonstration in Guanabacoa was driven by the residents' discontent due to constant power outages and lack of water, amidst a backdrop of worsening living conditions in Cuba. The desperate situation prompted the locals to take to the streets in protest.
What organizations have reported the arrests in Guanabacoa?
The non-governmental organization Cubalex has been one of the key entities denouncing the arbitrary detentions following the protest in Guanabacoa. Cubalex demands the immediate cessation of these detentions and the release of all individuals deprived of their liberty for exercising their right to peaceful protest.
What health conditions does Hiromi Moliner, one of the detainees, face?
Hiromi Moliner, one of those detained in Guanabacoa, is in critical health condition after having undergone surgery for breast cancer about a year ago. Her detention is alarming as she requires specialized medical attention.
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