The Cuban doctor Erlis Sierra Gómez, a pediatrician and father of two children, was transferred in handcuffs from Contramaestre to Santiago de Cuba after his arrest on Friday amidst the repressive wave unleashed by the regime following the “cacerolazo” in Baire, which occurred this week in the eastern province.
According to the young man's mother, Ania Gómez, in a video shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, agents from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) arrived on Friday morning at the home of the doctor, located in the neighborhood El Transformador, and asked him to come to the police station "for a conversation." However, upon arriving at the location, he was arrested along with another neighbor and taken through the back of the station, according to eyewitness accounts.
Shortly after, she reported that the agents informed the family about the transfer of Erlis to the Operations unit of the Ministry of the Interior in Santiago de Cuba, but did not provide details about his legal situation nor allowed contact with a lawyer.
“I am desperate, I don’t know anything about him. My son didn’t touch any cauldron nor did he harm anyone; he simply requested solutions for the people,” the woman declared, visibly distressed.
Sierra became one of the most visible faces of the peaceful protests in Baire, after a video was circulated in which he demanded that local authorities address the shortages of water, food, and basic services, reminding them that the Cuban Constitution recognizes freedom of expression. “I am not afraid to go there, because here in the Constitution I have freedom of expression,” he said during his exchange with municipal leaders.
The protests in Baire, a municipality of Contramaestre, have been among the most significant in Santiago de Cuba since July 2021. During the night on Thursday, neighbors banged pots and shouted “Freedom!” and “Down with Díaz-Canel!”, in the midst of a blackout that lasted over 30 hours. Shortly after, the regime cut off Internet access and deployed police forces to quash the demonstrations.
In addition to Sierra, Osmani Heredia and Humberto Nieto Sierra were also arrested, the latter being a nurse at the Orlando Pantoja Tamayo Hospital. Activists and residents of the municipality report a “witch hunt” against demonstrators, with summonses, threats, and surveillance in the most active neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, on social media, the hashtag #FreeErlisSierra continues to gather messages of support both inside and outside the island. Users and human rights organizations are demanding his immediate release and the cessation of repression against those who peacefully protested in Baire.
So far, the Cuban authorities have not provided official information about the whereabouts or the charges against Erlis Sierra.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protests in Baire and Repression in Cuba
Who is Erlis Sierra and why was he arrested?
Erlis Sierra is a Cuban pediatrician who became a prominent figure in the peaceful protests in Baire, Santiago de Cuba. He was arrested by the Cuban regime after participating in demonstrations demanding solutions to the lack of water, food, and basic services, exercising his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Cuban Constitution.
What motivated the protests in Baire, Santiago de Cuba?
The protests in Baire were motivated by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and a lack of drinking water affecting the local population. The demonstrators, weary of the difficult situation, took to the streets demanding freedom and shouting slogans against the Díaz-Canel government. These demonstrations are part of a growing public discontent in Cuba.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the protests in Baire?
The Cuban regime has responded with repression, internet outages, and arrests of protesters. According to reports, police forces have deployed both uniformed and plainclothes officers to quash the protests, in addition to threatening and interrogating participants. This repressive response is a common pattern in Cuba in the face of any dissent.
What have been the international repercussions of the protests in Baire?
Internationally, the protests in Baire have generated solidarity and support, especially on social media where the hashtag #FreeErlisSierra has gathered numerous supportive messages. Human rights organizations inside and outside of Cuba are calling for the release of those detained and the cessation of state repression, emphasizing the injustice of arbitrary arrests.
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