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The Cuban regime has intensified its campaign of harassment against officials of the United States Embassy in Havana, spreading private information and family details about diplomat Leslie Núñez Goodman in an attempt to publicly discredit her and challenge Washington's foreign policy towards the island.
On the official portal Razones de Cuba, images and personal information of Núñez Goodman, advisor to the Office of Education, Culture, and Press of the diplomatic mission, were recently published.
Among the allegations, she was accused of enjoying Cuban tourist facilities while her government imposes sanctions on the sector, and a video was shown in which she appears at the Tropicana cabaret during the celebrations of July 26.
The article not only questions the alleged "hypocrisy" of U.S. diplomacy but also discloses sensitive information about her family: the origins of her parents in Mayabeque, her husband's current diplomatic mission in Pakistan, and even the health condition of her youngest child.
This constitutes a serious violation of privacy and security of diplomats.
According to the official text, the presence of Núñez Goodman and the chargé d'affaires Mike Hammer in Cuba is part of a strategy of "interference" to promote "uncertainty and despair."
Moreover, he accuses the Embassy of funding programs aimed at "regime change" under the guise of public diplomacy.
Once again, a pattern emerges in which Havana resorts to defamation campaigns and surveillance to intimidate American diplomats and their families.
These types of practices occur in a context of bilateral tensions exacerbated by economic sanctions and a lack of progress in diplomatic dialogue.
The harassment of the regime
For months, the Cuban regime has intensified its media attacks against Mike Hammer, Head of Mission, whose activities have clearly unsettled the Cuban political apparatus.
Far from yielding, the diplomat has increased his presence and his connections with various sectors of Cuban civil society, which has created a highly charged political atmosphere on the island.
Meanwhile, the official narrative in Cuba accuses him of promoting disorder, when in reality his work—according to the United States—responds to the diplomatic mandate to "amplify the voices of the Cuban people in the face of repression."
Frequently asked questions about the harassment of U.S. diplomats in Cuba
What actions has the Cuban regime taken against American diplomats in Cuba?
The Cuban regime has intensified its campaign of harassment against U.S. diplomats in Havana, specifically disseminating private information about diplomat Leslie Núñez Goodman and accusing mission chief Mike Hammer of promoting destabilization in the country. These actions include the publication of personal data and the organization of acts of repudiation. Furthermore, they have been accused of interference and of fostering a regime change, which has created significant political tension.
Why does the Cuban regime accuse Mike Hammer of interference?
The Cuban regime accuses Mike Hammer of interference due to his active agenda of meetings with opponents, activists, and members of civil society in Cuba. These actions are seen by the regime as a provocation and an attempt at destabilization. However, Hammer has stated that his work is to amplify the voices of the Cuban people and foster inclusive dialogue, which is part of his diplomatic functions under the Vienna Convention.
What has the United States done in response to the harassment of its diplomats in Cuba?
The United States has expressed its rejection of the harassment of its diplomats in Cuba, summoning the Cuban ambassador in Washington and reaffirming support for its staff in Havana. The State Department has defended Mike Hammer's actions as part of his diplomatic duties and condemned the Cuban regime's attempt to portray his activities as misconduct. Additionally, they have emphasized that they will continue to support the Cuban people in their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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