The Cuban comedian and activist Cuqui La Mora delivered a powerful political message to the Cuban people from the Dominican Republic, clearly distinguishing the identity of the nation from those who govern it.
"Cuba is one thing and the shameless ones are another," stated the comedian, whose real name is Aleanis Jáuregui, in a three-minute reel summarizing her perspective on the dictatorship, exile, and civic responsibility.
The video started with a note of nostalgia: "Every time I come to the Dominican Republic, I feel a sense of nostalgia when I arrive at the airport because it feels like I'm in Cuba. And I have been gone for almost seven years, I haven't returned, I haven't seen my family, or friends."
But nostalgia quickly gave way to indignation. "It infuriates me to know how Cubans have endured so long under that damn communism," he said, before directly pointing at Miguel Díaz-Canel, whom he refers to as "the appointee."
Cuqui criticized the leader for speaking on behalf of the Cuban people without having been democratically elected: "That guy is a handpicked individual like the Castros who came to power and took control of that island. Everywhere in the world, the people choose their leaders, their rulers; the people elect them and can remove them or replace them."
Regarding the reasons why the regime will not relinquish power, she was straightforward: "Díaz-Canel will not give up power, none of them will give up power because they know their hands are stained with blood. Many crimes, much injustice they have committed, and they know that in a free Cuba, they will have to pay."
The comedian, actress, and also activist called on Cubans to protest and pointed out that social media has broken the information blockade imposed by the regime: "They already have enough information on social media to know that communism is what has caused this, that this repression is wrong, that it is injustice."
It also highlighted July 11, 2021 as a turning point: "Now with social media, and after July 11, people have awakened."
Cuqui also responded to those who question the right of exiles to express their opinions: "Those who tell you, 'you can't speak from the outside'... They say that for two reasons. One, so that you stop denouncing. And two, to discredit you."
And he concluded with a statement of strength: "No one will silence me or discredit me because I know who I am and the people who matter to me know who I am. I do not forget about Cuba; what is happening pains me deeply. Homeland and Life, freedom."
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