The Cuban News Agency (ACN) defended Henry Omar Pérez Yera this Tuesday, the head of the Villa Clara bureau, after the United States Embassy in Havana identified him as one of the most active spokespersons for the Cuban regime on social media and included him in a restricted list for access to the North American country.
Through a statement disseminated on its digital platforms, the state agency rejected the measure and claimed that Pérez Yera has dedicated his work to countering what he considers false information about Cuba.
The ACN described the sanction as "spurious" and stated that the journalist has used social media to defend the Cuban government's official position against narratives they consider manipulated.
The statement was made just one day after the U.S. Embassy warned about the activity of the so-called "ciberclarias", a term used to describe digital profiles and operators that promote content favorable to the Cuban regime while attacking opponents, activists, and independent media.
In its message, the diplomatic mission warned about attempts to spread false information related to U.S. policy using symbols associated with the United States government and urged Cubans to verify information before sharing it.
The inclusion of Pérez Yera in the list of individuals subject to entry restrictions adds to similar measures previously taken against other official communicators. Among them is Pedro Jorge Velázquez, known on social media as "El Necio," who was also subject to visa restrictions this year.
The public history of Pérez Yera on social media shows an active defense of the official positions of the Cuban government. In April, he shared a photo of his ballot marked in favor of Miguel Díaz-Canel, accompanied by the message: "I voted for Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and I would do it again."
In other publications he criticized independent media, activists, and government opponents. His name is also found in the public database Cuban Repressors, which collects information on officials and individuals linked to the repressive structures of the Cuban state.
The controversy arises amidst an increase in the sanctions imposed by Washington against officials, institutions, and structures linked to the Cuban regime during 2026.
In recent weeks, the U.S. administration announced new measures against leaders of the government and entities associated with the Cuban state apparatus. Among those sanctioned is the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, as well as other high-ranking officials and close relatives.
The response from official Cuban media has been one of rejection to these actions. Various executives and journalists from the state press have publicly defended the officials and communicators included in the sanctions, arguing that the measures aim to politically pressure the country.
For their part, U.S. officials have reiterated that the restrictions are aimed at individuals they consider involved in propaganda, disinformation, or repression, and not against the Cuban people.
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