U.S. Envoy in Cuba Meets with Cuban Activists in Spain: "The Regime Must Be Shaking"

In a move that underscores Washington's support for Cuban civil society, Mike Hammer, the United States' envoy to Cuba, held a meeting with exiled activists in Spain. The gathering, which took place in Madrid, focused on the dire human rights situation on the island and the empowerment of the opposition movement abroad.

According to a report by the independent outlet Diario de Cuba, key issues discussed included the halt of U.S. international aid, which has impacted independent media and civil society organizations in Cuba. The discussions also highlighted the influence these organizations have had in shedding light on the repression within Cuba, both internally and on global stages.

An additional topic of concern was the case of Cuban child Damir Ortiz, who requires a humanitarian visa to receive medical treatment in the U.S. Hammer pledged to look into this matter and explore potential solutions to provide the necessary assistance.

"The regime must be shaking. I know firsthand the fear these meetings instill in them; it puts them on edge because they know that here, we speak openly about the Cuban reality, the Cuba we desire, and the end of the repressive machinery that has hijacked our country," activist Iliana Hernández stated on social media regarding the meeting.

Hernández also expressed gratitude for the dialogue with the U.S. envoy, stating, "This is diplomacy: a committed civil society, crafting strategies for freedom, both inside and outside the island, in conversation with those who support the cause of a free Cuba and reject the regime's criminality."

Lázaro Mireles, leader of the Movement for Democracy Actions, also commented on the meeting via X, sharing that Hammer was accompanied by the Political Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Madrid. "We thanked #Hammer for his support to families of #PoliticalPrisoners in #Cuba and addressed vital issues regarding the cause that unites us. We appreciate this contact and the positive developments that will follow..." wrote Mireles.

Mireles highlighted key points from the meeting: "1. Pressure and support concerning the situation of political prisoners on the island, with live testimony from Angélica Garrido, Director of the Women's Front of the Republican Party of Cuba. 2. Vulnerability of children in #Cuba, where we analyzed the case of Damir. 3. International efforts for #SystemChange on the island."

This meeting follows a recent encounter Mike Hammer had with Cuban activists Amelia Calzadilla, Magdiel Jorge Castro, and Aneth Hernández Agrelo, members of Citizenship and Freedom, an independent organization focused on defending rights of association and political participation in Cuba.

After the meeting, Calzadilla shared a message on social media thanking Hammer and the Citizenship and Freedom team for the invitation to discuss issues of "a profound humanitarian and democratic nature."

Since his arrival in Havana in November 2024 as Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer has engaged with various Cuban dissidents and activists, reinforcing his country's commitment to promoting human rights on the island.

The Madrid meeting strengthens the cooperation between Cuban exiles and U.S. authorities, aiming to highlight the democratic struggle within the island and maintain pressure on the regime. As the situation in Cuba continues to decline, such meetings seek to develop strategies to bolster peaceful resistance and international advocacy.