Héctor Julio Cedeño Negrín, a 71-year-old Cuban, was forcefully detained on Wednesday on Monte Street in Havana after brandishing a sign that read "Down with the Dictatorship." His protest was aimed at the relentless pressure he faces as an impoverished street vendor. Although he was held for 12 hours at the Dragones station, no formal charges were pressed against him.
In a heartfelt interview with Cubanet, Cedeño Negrín shared the events of that day along with insights into his life's struggles. As a former unionist and independent journalist with a history of opposing the government, he currently sells candies at the Monte and Suárez intersection due to the lack of a pension. He buys sweets wholesale to resell them, eking out a modest income.
He explained how he began by storing the carts and tables of other vendors at home—many of whom live far away—before deciding to run his own cart. His 93-year-old mother lives in Oriente, and he strives to support his sister in caring for her, as she only receives a meager pension of 1,070 pesos. "One must fight," he remarked.
Bold Protest Against Oppression
Regarding the incident, Cedeño Negrín suspected inspectors would target him, so he prepared a sign declaring "Down with the Dictatorship." His suspicions were confirmed when he refused to leave the area and was confronted by authorities. "A crowd gathered. I was holding a sign... they tried to force me into the patrol car, but I stood firm, shouting as they struggled to get me inside. They eventually lifted me and forced me into the vehicle," he recounted.
He entrusted his cart, filled with thousands of pesos worth of lollipops, peanuts, mints, and other treats, to a young woman for safekeeping. "They took me to the police station, where they yelled at me. They didn't hit me, but they did threaten me, calling me a mercenary. But I'm just trying to survive here. I have no assistance; I have to fight," the elderly man stated.
Persistent Harassment of Street Vendors
Cedeño Negrín was detained from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and interviewed by someone named "Castillo." He told the interrogator that the police's actions could incite a social explosion due to their relentless persecution of people trying to make a living. "The constant harassment of small vendors on Monte Street is incomprehensible," he said, criticizing the authorities.
He expressed frustration, noting, "We have leaders who are an assembly of overweight individuals," and argued that authorities should focus on real criminals, like drug dealers and muggers, rather than street vendors. He aspires to establish a guild for street workers to defend their rights, as they've been heavily persecuted.
A Long-Standing Dissident
Reflecting on his journey as an opponent of the regime, Cedeño Negrín recalled listening to "The Voice of the Americas" as a child. He mentioned that while one of his brothers became a Communist Party member, he remained the "black sheep" of the family. His first arrest for "public disorder" occurred on September 27, 1982, after disrupting a government event, resulting in six days at Combinado del Este.
Over the decades, he has joined multiple opposition groups, including the "Comisión Cuba," which aimed to guide people in legalizing their organizations. He also led the Christian Trade Union of Cuba, though it eventually disbanded. His modest home houses the Reinaldo Arenas Library.
In summary, Cedeño Negrín, a 71-year-old who has spent decades resisting the Cuban regime, now faces ongoing harassment in his struggle to simply survive. His story underscores the challenges faced by those who dare to dissent in Cuba.
Understanding the Challenges for Cuban Street Vendors
Why was Héctor Julio Cedeño Negrín arrested?
He was arrested for displaying a sign that read "Down with the Dictatorship" in protest against the pressures he faces as a street vendor in Cuba.
What challenges do street vendors face in Cuba?
Street vendors in Cuba face harassment and persecution from authorities, making it difficult for them to make a living amidst Cuba's economic hardships.
What is Cedeño Negrín's background in opposition to the Cuban government?
Cedeño Negrín has a long history of opposition, having been a unionist and independent journalist. He has been involved in various groups challenging the government's policies.