The activist Pavel Alling, one of the four who died during the boat incursion off the coast of Villa Clara, urged Cubans in exile to set aside division, unproductive criticism, and attacks among compatriots.
In messages shared on their social media they stated that “Cuba's freedom is within our reach,” but that one essential condition remains to turn it into reality: unity.
Alling called for "more unity and respect" and warned that the division among Cubans ultimately benefits the "oppressive apparatus" that, according to his claim, has been responsible for fragmenting the community.
A U.S. citizen for several years, Alling devoted a central part of his remarks to those in exile who criticize those denouncing the dictatorship for "speaking from the outside," and he argued that international condemnation is a legitimate tool because in Cuba — as he stated — fear remains the "law."
Critique of "sterile criticism" and those who "subtract" from exile
In his message, Alling suggested that there are people "contaminated" by "sterile criticism and a lack of empathy," accusing them of attacking those who denounce the situation in Cuba from various countries.
"Let us not be complicit with the oppressive apparatus," he said, pointing out that discrediting those who raise their voices ends up benefiting the regime.
He, also a graduate in Art History and a literature professor, mentioned phrases that are used to discredit whistleblowers—“it's very easy to talk from here… behind a screen” or “why didn't you fight over there?”—and argued that these expressions ignore the “terror” that still, in his view, prevails on the island.
"The word becomes a weapon."
Alling argued that, while in Cuba fear "remains the law," "in exile, the word becomes a weapon."
He acknowledged that speaking from cities like Miami or other destinations is “easier” in terms of physical risk, but he insisted that this does not make the complaint any less legitimate.
“Courage is not measured by the geography of risk, but by fidelity to the truth,” he stated.
He also argued that the regime fears an "international denunciation" more than a "solitary cry" because "the world is watching" and "the world can apply pressure."
A "collective" effort with multiple fronts
The activist insisted that the fight cannot depend on a single actor and described it as a collective effort in which "everyone contributes from their own corner."
He listed those who contribute by denouncing, writing, singing, donating, pressuring governments, welcoming newcomers, or raising awareness, and stated that all of these contributions matter.
In that fragment, he mentioned José Martí as an example of a struggle through words and stated that not everyone is called to denounce, but that it is something entirely different to become "executioners" of those who do.
Towards the end of the message, Alling reiterated his main phrase: “Cubans, the freedom of Cuba is within our reach”.
However, he clarified that it is still "not tangible" because there is one thing missing: "unity."
In their view, the goal would be to unite the exile community, the opponents abroad, and Cubans on the island to "amplify" voices and "mobilize consciences."
He concluded his exhortation with a slogan: "Homeland, life, and freedom," insisting that "divide and conquer" must come to an end and that, united, Cubans would be "invincible."
The events in Cuba
Pavel Alling Peña, originally from Camagüey, is one of the four deceased in the boat incursion that occurred off the coast of Villa Clara, according to the list released this Thursday by the Cuban regime.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the four dead following the maritime confrontation with Cuban forces, an incident that Havana described as an attempted armed infiltration from the United States.
The writer had firmly rejected annexation as a political alternative. "I do not want annexation and I will not discuss it with anyone," he stated, adding that he would not trade "sovereignty for annexation."
He also stated that Cuba "has never been truly free" and that the country would be "on the brink of being so with our own hands," a claim he framed within a call to preserve national identity and to achieve freedom without external concessions.
His name is now among the four deceased officially identified following the maritime incident, amidst an investigation that, according to the authorities, is still ongoing and whose details remain preliminary.
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