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The young Cuban Christian Iván Daniel Calás Navarro announced that he has left Cuba and is now in Spain, after experiencing threats, pressure, and warnings for publicly denouncing the situation in Cuba.
"Gaby and I arrived in Spain today. We greet you from Salamanca, Castilla y León," she wrote on her Facebook profile, where she has documented both her personal life and her activism from a faith perspective.
In the same message, she reflected the emotional impact of the decision: “We are very sad and very happy... because yes, both things can coexist at the same time when you emigrate, and even more so when you’re fleeing Cuba!”
The young man also added a brief summary of his feelings: “God has been good. He has not failed. We hope not to fail Him.”
The young man has been one of the most prominent voices among young believers who have chosen to speak openly about the country's situation, combining religious messages with social and political critiques.
In recent months, Calás publicly responded to those who accused him of seeking attention or causing issues with the authorities. In a message where he asserted that “no, we do not want a political case. We have a lot to lose, and we know it”, he defended his right to express what is happening in Cuba without waiting for institutional guidance. He also made his stance on fear clear: “The fear is over.”
The young man had reported threats from anonymous profiles on social media, to which he directly responded in another video: “I put my face, my voice; people can know what I think, what I say. You use names and photos that are not yours.” In that same context, he delivered a phrase that summarized his stance: “My conscience is clear; yours is not.”
His activism also included direct criticism of the official discourse. Following the protests in Morón, he questioned statements made by Miguel Díaz-Canel and asserted that "you have no moral right to speak of civility or democracy".
In addition to his statements on social media, the young man participated in actions to support individuals under pressure from authorities. After attending to the mother of a content creator summoned by the police, he denounced that “these people operate this way, threatening, lying, intimidating”.
The harassment and threats from the security apparatus he has suffered, however, are not recent. As early as 2023, he was interrogated by State Security, where —as he recounted— he was warned that he could go to prison if he spoke out against the government, as noted in an interrogation in which he stated that he feared for his life.
"Yes, I fear for my life. But God is in control. God is stronger than the DSE. God is the King of Kings," he affirmed after that incident.
Despite recognizing the risk, he insisted on maintaining his position: “I also reminded them that I follow and speak what the Bible says. However, if anything that the Bible says brings me consequences, I am willing to face those.”
In parallel, his work on social media—including street interviews about life in Cuba—amplified the testimonies of citizens affected by the economic crisis, blackouts, and shortages.
His departure from the country takes place in a context where expressing critical opinions still leads to police summons, surveillance, and threats, especially for activists, communicators, and religious leaders.
The message posted from Spain has generated numerous reactions. Among the comments, several users highlighted the young man's bravery and noted that his departure is a consequence of the pressure experienced in Cuba, while others lamented that critical voices are forced to emigrate.
The story of Iván Daniel Calás Navarro reflects the personal cost of speaking openly in Cuba, even from religious spaces, in an environment where dissent brings threats, interrogations, surveillance, and constant pressure from the regime's repressive apparatus.
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