The Cuban police detained Luis Adrián Pupo García, a 35-year-old man, at the central park in La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, on October 18. His arrest followed a protest during a massive blackout that affected the entire country. Pupo, who was with several people at the time, vocally criticized the government after the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) shutdown plunged Cuba into darkness for five days.
Witnesses told the independent news outlet CubaNet that two officers present in the area apprehended Pupo and took him to the La Maya police station. Reportedly, he did not resist arrest. A bystander shared, "The place was swarming with police that day, anticipating any protests. I saw Pupo speaking out and knew he would face trouble. The officers approached him and took him away immediately. He told them, 'Take me, you’ll have to release me eventually.'”
Roberto Serrano, a friend and Masonic brother of Pupo, disclosed to CubaNet that officers at the station attempted to confiscate Pupo's phone, suspecting he was recording. When he refused, they allegedly assaulted him, prompting a reaction from Pupo. This incident has led to his continued detention under what is described as "preventive custody."
Unclear Charges and Family's Concerns
A week after his arrest, Pupo's mother finally managed to see him. Authorities informed her that charges would be pressed against him, although they did not specify the charges. The family suspects it might be for "disrespect" due to the altercation with the officers. Serrano described Pupo as "a peaceful, noble man," emphasizing that his reaction was provoked by the authorities, who often target individuals they find troublesome to fabricate charges and remove them from public view.
Serrano also mentioned that Pupo has been under scrutiny for some time due to his outspoken nature. This was evident after he interrupted a speech by the Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel during a visit to the Songo-La Maya municipality in March. Pupo had questioned the leader about the superficial improvements made in anticipation of his visit.
A History of Dissent
During Diaz-Canel's speech, Pupo asked if the leader was aware of the populist measures taken before his local visits. Diaz-Canel cut him off abruptly but later approached Pupo with a harsh tone, asking, "What do you want?" Pupo responded by questioning whether the leader knew that La Maya had been painted the week before his visit, a statement that stirred the crowd and led to Pupo being surrounded by police.
Since that incident, Pupo has been subjected to interrogation and surveillance by the regime’s political police. His current detention highlights the ongoing repression faced by those who dare to voice dissent in Cuba.