A young Cuban activist, Leandro René Hernández Ibarra, finds himself caught in a migration limbo, having spent four days sleeping in the Duty Free zone of Lima's Jorge Chávez Airport in Peru. This predicament arose after Nicaragua denied him entry into their country.
Hernández attributes this refusal to the influence of the Cuban regime, as he is known for his outspoken criticism of the island's government. Despite having all his documents in order, including accommodations in Managua and a return flight to Cuba, he was unable to complete his journey to Nicaragua.
Stranded in the Duty Free area of Lima's airport, the activist has been there for four days. Airlines have refused to fly him to another destination due to the prolonged delay. Consequently, Hernández has sought political asylum in Peru and is awaiting the response from the Andean nation's authorities.
Returning to Cuba is not an option for Leandro due to the potential political reprisals he faces. He has reported threats and persecution from the State Security, including fines and harassment directed at his family.
This is not an isolated incident, as other activists have also found themselves in similar migration limbos due to refusals from the Nicaraguan government. Hernández's situation highlights the challenges faced by Cuban dissidents trying to escape the regime's reach, which now extends to other countries in the region.
While awaiting a decision from Peruvian authorities, Hernández's future remains uncertain, and his funds are dwindling in a Duty Free zone where he was only supposed to have a brief layover.
Nicaragua's Influence on Cuban Dissidents' Travel
Why was Leandro Hernández denied entry to Nicaragua?
Leandro Hernández was denied entry to Nicaragua, which he believes was due to the influence of the Cuban regime, as he is a known critic of the Cuban government.
What are the potential consequences if he returns to Cuba?
If Leandro returns to Cuba, he fears political reprisals, including threats and persecution from the State Security, which have already affected him and his family.
What is the current status of his asylum request in Peru?
Leandro is currently awaiting a response from the Peruvian authorities regarding his political asylum request.