A couple from Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, has been arbitrarily detained since Sunday, April 13 after protesting against a fine of 16,000 pesos that an inspector imposed on the husband for selling vegetables.
Alexeis Serrano Águila, a self-employed individual and opposition figure, was summoned that day to the police station in Palma Soriano and was detained upon arriving. When his wife, Delis Frómeta Suárez, went to inquire about him, she was also arrested.
Everything was set in motion on Friday, April 11, when an inspector fined Serrano Águila for selling root vegetables. The couple protested publicly, and the video of Frómeta Suárez's reaction circulated on social media, where she can be heard addressing her fellow citizens: "How long will Cubans keep their tongues stuck in their backsides? This is why Cuba is like this, because no one demands their rights."
Both are accused of the crime of contempt and face the risk of being placed in provisional custody while awaiting trial.
The case was publicly reported by the activist José Raúl Gallego, who warned that the couple is being held "arbitrarily, accused of contempt and at risk of soon entering provisional prison."
Cubalex reported the case as a serious violation of human rights, raising concerns about the communication blackout affecting both detainees and the deterioration of their health. According to the organization, Alexeis Serrano Águila is on a hunger strike, while Delis Frómeta Suárez—who suffers from chronic illnesses—has not received adequate medical care. The organization also warned about the risk to both of their lives and demanded their immediate release.
The family situation is critical. The arrest of this couple has placed their two young daughters in an extremely vulnerable position, economically unprotected and having to take care of their grandmother, with barely any resources.
Filed under: