Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla issued a strong critique against the official spokesperson Michel Torres Corona, amid the controversy generated by the interview of Sandro Castro with CNN and the subsequent censorship of a segment from the state program Con Filo.
In an extensive post on Facebook, Calzadilla reacted to the video that Torres decided to share on his social media, which the regime did not allow to be broadcast on television, where the presenter lashed out at Fidel Castro's grandson for his critical statements towards the government.
Although she admitted that it was striking to hear Torres describe Sandro as "the fastest sperm," the activist made it clear that she does not believe in the supposed critical stance of the pro-government communicator.
“I am not swayed by the siren's songs,” he wrote, questioning what he sees as a double standard within state media. According to Calzadilla, it is inconsistent for the system to allow certain discourses on personal platforms while censoring those that could have a real impact on the population from national television.
The activist went further by highlighting the contrast between the treatment received by figures associated with power and that of ordinary citizens. She noted that while Sandro Castro can express himself without facing repercussions, more than a thousand political prisoners on the island and their families face punishments for actions of much lesser significance.
"Save yourself the theatrics," he declared, accusing Torres of defending a system that, in his view, applies the laws selectively.
The message also attacked the interview of Sandro Castro on CNN, describing it as offensive to Cubans. Calzadilla criticized that an international media outlet would give space to someone whose main "merit" is belonging to the ruling family, while the country is going through a profound crisis.
In his post, he also denounced the inequalities in Cuba, contrasting the luxuries displayed by Fidel Castro's grandson with the reality of many citizens, including children who live without electricity or in precarious conditions.
Calzadilla's reaction comes after an incident that has once again highlighted the tensions within the official media apparatus. Michel Torres published a censored excerpt from Con Filo on Facebook in which he criticized Sandro Castro, after the program chose not to address the issue in its television broadcast, which raised questions among the viewers themselves.
The case has reignited the debate over the limits of criticism within the Cuban system, especially when it involves figures close to power, and has once again exposed the cracks between official discourse and citizens' perceptions.
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