Blas Giraldo Reyes, a former Cuban political prisoner sentenced to 25 years during the Black Spring of 2003, celebrated the arrest in the United States on Tuesday of former lieutenant colonel of the Ministry of Interior (MININT) Jorge Luis Vega García, known as "Veguita," whom he holds directly responsible for abuses committed in the prisons of the Cuban regime.
"It is a disrespect that that man is here. Those people come to the United States with a script; they are here under some orders from the regime, from the dictatorship," Reyes stated to journalist Mario J. Pentón in a video interview.
“The Cuban exile community is extremely satisfied that ICE has apprehended him. To the henchmen, I say to remember that the dictatorship has little time left. They will have to pay for the murders and crimes they have committed,” he stated.
Vega García was identified by former prisoners from the Cuban prisons Agüica and Canaleta as the perpetrator of physical and psychological torture, systematic beatings, and denial of medical assistance.
The arrest of Vega was confirmed on August 5 by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after the case came to public attention through an investigation by journalist Pentón, who gathered testimonies from direct victims such as Benito Ortega Suárez, Pablo Pacheco Ávila, Fidel Suárez Cruz, and Reyes himself.
Vega García legally entered the United States on January 20, 2024, at Tampa International Airport under the humanitarian parole program, along with his wife and son. He later requested to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act, despite being accused of crimes against humanity.
The platform Cuban Repressors – Stop the Violence! documents that the former officer violated international standards such as the Mandela Rules and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His repressive record includes beatings, prolonged confinement, denial of medical care, and persecution for political reasons.
A former official of the Cuban prison system confirmed that Vega was promoted before his retirement, which reinforces his connection to the repressive structure of the regime.
The detention has generated immediate reactions among exile organizations and Cuban-American congress members, who have demanded a thorough investigation and that the response not be limited to a simple deportation.
So far, U.S. authorities have not disclosed formal charges, but victims like Reyes insist that "Veguita" must be held accountable before the law.
Frequently Asked Questions about the arrest of Jorge Luis Vega García in the U.S.
Who is Jorge Luis Vega García and why was he arrested in the U.S.?
Jorge Luis Vega García, known as "Veguita," is a former lieutenant colonel of the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, accused of crimes against humanity for his role in the repression of political prisoners in high-security prisons in Cuba. He was arrested in the United States after entering the country under the humanitarian parole program, despite his repressive history. His detention was confirmed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a journalistic investigation that gathered testimonies from several of his victims.
What crimes are attributed to Jorge Luis Vega García?
Jorge Luis Vega García is accused of ordering physical and psychological torture, systematic beatings, prolonged confinement, and denial of medical attention to political prisoners. These acts took place during his administration of the Agüica and Canaleta prisons in Cuba. The accusations are based on testimonies from former political prisoners and violations of international standards such as the Mandela Rules and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
How did Jorge Luis Vega García enter the United States?
Jorge Luis Vega García entered the United States legally on January 20, 2024, through Tampa International Airport, Florida, under the humanitarian parole program. He subsequently applied for benefits under the Cuban Adjustment Act, despite allegations of crimes against humanity against him.
What reactions has the arrest of Vega García generated in the Cuban community in the U.S.?
The arrest has been celebrated by the Cuban exile community and Cuban-American congress members, who have demanded justice for the victims of the Cuban regime. Exile organizations and direct victims have called for a thorough investigation and have insisted that the response should not be limited to a mere deportation, emphasizing the need for "Veguita" to be held accountable before the law.
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