Mike Hammer, the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, recently engaged in a dialogue with Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla, who is well-known for her outspoken criticism of the island's socio-economic crisis. Following their meeting, Calzadilla took to social media to express her gratitude to Hammer and the Citizen and Freedom team for the opportunity to discuss issues of "a profound humanitarian and democratic nature."
Calzadilla emphasized the significance of the platform provided to activists and opposition figures, both within and outside Cuba, in their ongoing struggle for the country's common good. Meanwhile, Citizen and Freedom, an independent organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of association and political participation in Cuba, announced that its members met with Hammer to discuss the nation's realities and the challenges in the pursuit of democracy.
In a brief statement, the organization expressed appreciation for the diplomat's support, highlighting his meetings with opposition leaders on the island as well as Cuban exiles. "His willingness to listen to us and understand firsthand the situation of Cubans both inside and outside the country is a gesture we deeply value," they stated. Established in 2023, Citizen and Freedom aims to foster an informed and active society regarding civil and political rights, encouraging citizen participation in public matters without fear of persecution or criminalization.
They acknowledge the hurdles in defending these rights within the current Cuban context and advocate for a democratic transition as a means to achieve significant progress. A photograph captured during the meeting depicts a relaxed yet serious and committed atmosphere, with human rights and freedom of expression in Cuba as central topics.
Since his arrival in Havana in November 2024 as Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer has engaged with various Cuban opposition figures and activists, reinforcing the United States' commitment to promoting human rights on the island. Notable figures he has met with include Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, and Martha Beatriz Roque, a prominent dissident and economist. These discussions have covered topics such as the release of political prisoners and the overall human rights situation in Cuba.
Furthermore, Hammer visited José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU), at the organization's headquarters in Santiago de Cuba. During this encounter, they deliberated on the country's political and social reality and the importance of international solidarity with the Cuban people in their fight for democracy. Additionally, the U.S. diplomat met with intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández, conversing about the plight of political prisoners and the necessity for respectful dialogue to address the island's social and political challenges.
These interactions underscore the United States' interest in maintaining open communication with Cuban civil society and supporting those who champion human rights and democracy on the island.
Key Questions About U.S. Diplomatic Engagement in Cuba
Who is Mike Hammer?
Mike Hammer is the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, involved in dialogues with activists and opposition figures to support human rights and democracy on the island.
What is the focus of Citizen and Freedom?
Citizen and Freedom is an independent organization that advocates for the rights of association and political participation in Cuba, promoting an informed and active civil society.
What topics were discussed in the meeting with Amelia Calzadilla?
The meeting with Amelia Calzadilla covered issues of a humanitarian and democratic nature, focusing on the socio-economic crisis in Cuba.