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The Lady in White and Cuban activist Leticia Ramos Herrería was prevented from leaving the country by the regime's authorities, while attempting to travel to the United States for specialized medical care.
Ramos Herrería, who had already been detained at the beginning of November, recounted in a video posted on social media that she was separated from the group of passengers at the airport and taken to an isolated room, a common practice of the State Security against opponents and human rights defenders.
"Two members of MININT informed me that I was banned from traveling because they did not want me to participate in an event organized by the Damas de Blanco in the United States," the activist explained.
According to her testimony, she was held for several hours and later released. Ramos Herrería directly held the State Security responsible for anything that might happen to her, recalling her health situation.
Systematic repression against the Ladies in White
This new act of repression is not an isolated incident. The Cuban regime has repeatedly obstructed the travel of members of the Damas de Blanco movement, an organization that has, since its founding in 2003, demanded the release of political prisoners and denounced human rights violations in Cuba.
The activists—internationally awarded for their peaceful work—have been subjected to arbitrary detentions, threats, and confiscations. The travel ban has become a recurring tool for the government to punish civic activism and isolate it from international support.
A life at risk and a country without rights
The case of Leticia Ramos Herrería highlights once again the regime's policy of control and punishment against those who think differently. Denying her the ability to travel to address a serious health issue not only violates her freedom of movement but also her right to life and medical care.
"If something happens to me, it will be the responsibility of State Security," Ramos Herrería warned in his message.
While the government seeks to project an image of openness and dialogue to the world, the repression against the Ladies in White continues, with women who—more than two decades after the movement was established—are still being detained, harassed, and silenced.
A story of struggle
With more than twenty years of existence, the Ladies in White have established themselves as a symbol of peaceful resistance in Cuba. Their image—women dressed in white and carrying gladioli during their Sunday marches—has become a symbol of dignity in the face of repression.
Under the leadership of Berta Soler, the movement has steadfastly upheld its activism despite the constant harassment from State Security. International recognition came swiftly: in 2005, they received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded by the European Parliament.
Recently, Soler was awarded the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize 2025 for her commitment to defending democracy and human rights in Cuba.
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