In a shocking incident on Tuesday, Héctor Julio Cedeño Negrín, a 71-year-old man, was forcibly arrested on Monte Street in Havana for holding a banner that read "Down with the dictatorship." A video shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on social media captured the elderly man waving the banner and shouting the slogan before a plainclothes officer violently subdued him. The officer struggled to get Cedeño into the patrol car as the elderly man resisted fiercely.
Immediately after the arrest, numerous bystanders demanded the elderly man not be mistreated or harmed. Newly released footage confirms that Cedeño's resistance was so strong that officers attempted to place him horizontally into the vehicle, as they could not overpower him to seat him properly.
The video also captures the frustration and anger of the witnesses, who shouted phrases like "Abusers," "And then they don't want it filmed and shared," "Leave him alone, he's just fighting," and "There is hunger!"
Cedeño Negrín, known for his opposition to the regime, especially as an independent journalist, has previously reported harassment from both the police and State Security. He now sells candies as his sole means of survival amidst Cuba's severe economic crisis, according to a video by CubaNet shared on Facebook.
This arrest led to increased police presence in the area, with additional officers and inspectors patrolling, amplifying pressure on other street vendors who protested Cedeño's treatment, noted the media outlet.
The incident is part of a broader crackdown on informal work in Cuba, a practice that has grown more prevalent due to economic hardship and the scarcity of employment opportunities.
Understanding the Context of Cedeño Negrín's Arrest
Why was Héctor Julio Cedeño Negrín arrested in Havana?
Cedeño Negrín was arrested for holding a banner that criticized the Cuban government, which is not tolerated by the authorities.
How did bystanders react to the arrest of Cedeño Negrín?
Bystanders expressed their outrage by shouting at the officers not to harm him and criticized the authorities for their actions.
What does this incident reveal about the state of informal work in Cuba?
The incident highlights the increasing crackdown on informal labor, which has become a necessity for many due to Cuba's dire economic situation.