Related videos:
The head of the diplomatic mission of the United States in Cuba, Mike Hammer, responded this Saturday to a post by Cuban activist and journalist Félix Llerena with a statement that succinctly summarizes the difference between democracy and dictatorship: uncensored freedom of expression.
Llerena had shared on X an image comparing Liany Soto, head of the Cuban mission in Washington, with Hammer, highlighting a revealing contrast: the Cuban official has blocked him on social media, while with the American diplomat, according to her own words, "we often chat."
"The first one is the head of the mission of the Cuban Embassy here in the United States and she has me blocked. On the right is the head of the mission of the United States Embassy in Cuba, we talk often. What do you have to say?"
Hammer then clarified: "I have never blocked anyone. As long as they are not vulgar or violent, everyone can express what they want, and of course, even criticisms and comments about what they don't think. There is a difference between democracy and dictatorship."
The diplomat, with over 35 years of experience, took on the role of head of mission in Havana in 2024, and since then, the regime has accused him of interference and has maintained harassment against him due to his contact with civil society and his promotion of human rights and freedoms.
He previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Chile (2014–2016), ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2018–2022), spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, and deputy assistant secretary of state for public affairs.
Filed under: