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The Cuban regime reacted quickly this Wednesday to the words of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and as is customary, responded with attacks against the dissidents on the island, whom it labeled as "mercenaries" and "corrupt agents" in the service of the United States.
Through the social network X, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla lashed out at Cuban opponents after Rubio publicly supported the right of the Cuban people to protest, just days before the fourth anniversary of July 11, 2021 (11J).
"The U.S. Secretary of State urges his employees in Cuba to subvert the constitutional order and to follow orders from those who cause suffering to the Cuban people," wrote Rodríguez.
"While he uses federal funds to enrich his corrupt agents, millions of US citizens will not have access to healthcare," he added.
Swift response to the foreigner, silence to the people
Once again, the Cuban regime responds swiftly and vehemently to any statement related to the United States, but remains silent on the internal demands of the people, who live amidst power outages, food shortages, unaffordable prices, and collapsed services.
While it attacks on social media those who criticize it from the outside, the government is incapable of responding to its own people with concrete solutions to their most basic needs, despite having absolute power, control over the media, ministries, and all the country's resources. Cubans continue to wait for electricity, rice, medicine, and transportation, but receive only speeches and repression.
Systematic attacks before 11J
The chancellor's message adds to a well-known strategy of the Cuban regime: to intensify propaganda and verbal attacks ahead of sensitive dates, such as July 11, when the most significant social uprising the island has experienced in decades is commemorated.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations and activists within the island are raising concerns about increased surveillance, summonses, preventive detentions, and social control operations as part of the repressive measures leading up to the date.
The verbal offensive of the regime is not surprising. However, what continues to astonish is its inability to listen to the Cuban people, the same people who took to the streets shouting "Freedom" four years ago, and who today are still waiting for answers that do not come.
Marco Rubio unleashes the fury of the communists
Marco Rubio reaffirmed his support for the fight for freedom in Cuba with a message of encouragement sent to dissidents, independent journalists, and families of political prisoners who gathered at the residence of the U.S. chargé d'affaires in Havana, Mike Hammer.
The U.S. Secretary of State addressed attendees at the meeting in a projected video, where the Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, also participated virtually.
"I know it's not easy to live on that enslaved Island and face a regime that does everything possible to punish you. But you do not give up, and that inspires us," he said in the recording.
According to a report by Martí Noticias, Rubio emphasized that the regime's repression has not managed to silence the cry for freedom from the people. "The 11J marked a turning point. It was an inspiration for all of us who love freedom and dream of a free, sovereign, and independent Cuba."
"It is an honor to address a group of brave Cuban dissidents and independent journalists to reaffirm our support for a free, sovereign, and independent Cuba. #PatriaYVida #11J," wrote Rubio on his account on X, along with a photo from the meeting.
The meeting, called to mark the fourth anniversary of the protests of July 11, 2021, was a gesture of encouragement from Mike Hammer to Cuban civil society.
The event took place under strict security measures to prevent the regime from detaining attendees, as had happened days earlier during the July 4th celebration at the United States Embassy in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tensions between Cuba and the United States
Why does the Cuban regime refer to dissidents as "mercenaries"?
The Cuban regime labels dissenters as "mercenaries" because it sees them as agents serving foreign interests, specifically those of the United States. This rhetoric aims to delegitimize internal opponents, portraying them as individuals receiving external funds to undermine the constitutional order in Cuba.
What was the Cuban regime's response to Marco Rubio's message?
The Cuban regime, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, responded with attacks against dissidents and criticism of U.S. policy. Rodríguez labeled the opponents as "mercenaries" and "corrupt" in the service of the United States, in an attempt to divert attention from the internal demands of the Cuban population.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to internal and external protests?
The Cuban regime has responded to internal protests with repression and silence, while criticizing human rights situations in other countries such as the United States. This double standard highlights the incoherence of the Cuban government, which ignores the demands of its people while condemning others for human rights violations.
What measures has the United States taken against the Cuban regime?
United States, under the administration of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, has implemented visa restrictions and reinstated funding for independent Cuban media. These actions aim to put pressure on the Cuban regime and support the civil society that fights for freedom and human rights on the island.
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