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The interview granted by Sandro Castro to CNN from Havana, in which he criticized the management of Miguel Díaz-Canel and defended capitalism, provoked reactions on social media. Among them was that of Doris Santiesteban Batista, wife of Ernesto Ricardo Medina, one of the young individuals linked to the independent project El4tico who remains detained in Holguín.
In a recent Facebook post, Santiesteban Batista questioned the contrast between the public statements of Fidel Castro's grandson and the situation of young people imprisoned for expressing critical opinions. “Watching a CNN report, Sandro Castro is speaking poorly of the Cuban government, so, I imagine they will detain him just like they have detained the kids from El4tico for expressing their opinions about this. It’s unfair!”, in his message.
Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez were arrested on February 6 during a State Security operation. Both remain in pre-trial detention, charged with "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "incitement to commit a crime" for the content disseminated on El4tico, a digital platform critical of the country's situation, where they highlighted the economic and social crisis.
The message published by Santiesteban Batista sparked numerous reactions from other users, who agreed in calling for the release of the detainees and questioning the unequal application of the law. Among the comments, phrases such as "Freedom for political prisoners," "They must immediately release the kids from El4tico," and calls for "the law must be the same for everyone" are repeated.
In the interview with CNN, Sandro Castro stated: “For me, the president is not doing a good job. He should have made important decisions a long time ago that are now affecting us”. He also asserted: “There are many people in Cuba who think in a capitalist way and who want capitalism with sovereignty”.
When referring to possible privileges due to his last name, he stated: “My last name is my last name, and I am proud of it, but I don't see that help you mention. I am just like any other citizen.”
The case of the young people from El4tico has garnered attention both inside and outside the island. The detention of Ernesto Ricardo Medina has had a direct impact on his family, especially on his young daughter, whose mother has highlighted his absence on social media.
Furthermore, the situation of families has been highlighted in public messages that emphasize the importance of not forgetting the detainees or the human cost of these processes.
Meanwhile, international pressure has also become evident. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba publicly asked: “Where are the #El4tico? Release them!”, amid concerns about the situation of those detained.
While they remain in prison without having been brought to trial, the demand for their release remains active on social media, where users and family members insist on the need to respect freedom of expression and to put an end to the detentions.
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