Ana Hurtado Martínez, a Spanish communist known for her support of the Cuban regime, has been ordered by a court to pay damages following a defamation lawsuit filed by Lucio Enríquez Nodarse, a Cuban doctor residing in Spain. The civil trial, which concluded on October 1, resulted in a decision announced this Wednesday. The court ruled that "Ms. Ana Hurtado Martínez has wrongfully infringed on Mr. Lucio Enríquez Nodarse's right to honor."
The ruling, issued by the Court of First Instance in Albacete, is not final and can be appealed by Hurtado Martínez within 20 working days, as explained by Enríquez Nodarse on his social media. The court has decreed that Hurtado Martínez must pay €10,000 for moral damages inflicted on the Cuban activist.
Additionally, the judgment mandates that Hurtado Martínez must "publish at her own expense, in the same media outlets where the defamatory statements were made, the court's decision within ten days after it becomes final." The court also imposed legal costs on the defendant, requiring her to cover the legal fees of the plaintiff and other expenses incurred during the proceedings.
Throughout the trial, Hurtado Martínez was notably absent, residing in Cuba where she continues her propaganda efforts through social media and official channels like Cubadebate. Her representative admitted to the accusations of defamation, claiming her statements against Enríquez Nodarse were protected by her right to free speech.
Impact on Free Speech and Defamation Cases
Enríquez Nodarse, known for his staunch advocacy for human rights in Cuba, filed the lawsuit due to Hurtado Martínez's social media posts, where she repeatedly labeled him as a "trafficker doctor," "terrorist," and "criminal." This legal battle has garnered significant attention among the Cuban exile community, particularly those opposed to the regime who view Hurtado Martínez as a defender of the Cuban dictatorship. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent in handling defamation issues related to regime supporters abroad.
Pending confirmation, this ruling is yet another chapter in the controversies surrounding Hurtado, who has faced criticism for her unwavering support of the regime and her frequent attacks on Cuban dissidents and activists.
Previous Incidents of Tension
The Cuban doctor's activism in Spain has led to multiple confrontations with regime representatives. In May 2023, Enríquez Nodarse and his colleague Emilio Arteaga Pérez were allegedly assaulted by Cuban diplomatic staff in Spain during a protest at a Buena Fe concert at Madrid's Galileo Galilei venue. Following a police report, Enríquez Nodarse extended his complaint upon identifying one of the assailants as the Cuban consul in Madrid, Ulises Enrique Oliva Suárez. Photographs taken after the incident showed injuries on Enríquez Nodarse's face, including bruises and marks from the attack.
As a result of the complaint, Consul Oliva Suárez was added to the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba's list of Cuban Repressors.