Despite the passage of days, images of commemorative events for July 11th around the world continue to emerge. A video has now been released showing a peaceful demonstration outside the Cuban consulate in San José, Costa Rica, where a group of exiles was verbally assaulted by supporters of the regime who, according to reports, were mobilized by diplomatic officials.
In the midst of the tense exchange, a woman reported the recent loss of her daughter in Cuba.
“Do you not know what it’s like to have a child murdered? They just killed my daughter in Cuba!”, she shouted with rage and pain, while the officials tried to silence her by shouting “Revolution is social change!” The scene was recorded on video and shared by activists on social media.
The protesters, members of the group Cubanos Libres in Costa Rica, commemorated the fourth anniversary of the social outbreak of 11J, the largest civic protest in Cuba so far this century.
They shouted slogans such as "Homeland and Life!" and demanded the release of political prisoners. The presence of a pro-government mob created a hostile atmosphere that escalated into verbal confrontations, filled with accusations and shouts of "Murderers!" and "Down with the dictatorship!"
This was not an isolated event. Cubans in exile gathered in Madrid's city center to demand democracy and freedom for the island. They carried flags, banners, and a large cloth over 15 meters long displaying the names of some of the more than a thousand political prisoners still jailed for expressing their ideas or peacefully protesting.
The activist Avana De La Torre delivered a moving speech in which she recalled that “we must persist in the idea, because we are going to be free”, and denounced the legacy of the regime: “Without hospitals, without roads, without food, without medicine. The leadership squanders everything and wastes the people's money.”
In Miami and Washington, similar gatherings were held to commemorate the 11J and demand sanctions against those responsible for the repression. Specifically, the U.S. Department of State announced new measures against Miguel Díaz-Canel and his family members, including a visa ban and the addition of 11 properties associated with the regime to its list of restricted assets.
The fourth anniversary of 11J once again brought together the Cuban diaspora in a unified cry for justice. The image of a broken mother in front of the consulate in Costa Rica, or of activists raising flags bearing the names of the imprisoned in Madrid, reflects a struggle that is far from over.
"For more than 66 years, the history of Cuba has been one of hunger and repression," summarized Avana. And that pain, far from being silenced, today resonates throughout the streets of exile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Protests and Repression in Cuba
What happened during the demonstration in front of the Cuban consulate in Costa Rica?
During a peaceful demonstration outside the Cuban consulate in San José, Costa Rica, a group of Cuban exiles was verbally attacked by supporters of the Cuban regime. The protesters were commemorating the fourth anniversary of July 11 (11J) and demanded the release of political prisoners, while government supporters attempted to silence them.
What is the significance of July 11 for the Cuban people?
July 11, 2021 marks a historic day for Cuba, as thousands of citizens took to the streets to demand freedom and an end to the dictatorship. This event, known as 11J, is remembered as the largest civic protest on the island in the 21st century and has inspired the Cuban diaspora to continue the fight for democracy.
How has the international community responded to the protests in Cuba?
The U.S. Department of State has imposed sanctions against the Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel and his family members. These sanctions include a visa ban and the inclusion of properties associated with the regime on its list of prohibited assets. Furthermore, the international community has expressed its solidarity with the Cuban people and has condemned the violations of human rights.
What actions have Cuban exiles taken in response to the repression on the island?
Exiled Cubans in various cities around the world, such as Madrid, Miami, and Washington, have organized demonstrations to demand democracy and freedom for the island. They have raised flags and banners in memory of political prisoners and have called for an end to the dictatorship in Cuba. They have also taken advantage of international events to raise awareness of the situation on the island.
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