Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla has taken to social media to reveal that she is the target of a smear campaign, which she suspects is orchestrated by State Security to silence and discredit her. In her Facebook posts, Calzadilla accused the Havana regime of ramping up efforts to tarnish her reputation through misinformation and pressures directed at her and her circle.
A video has recently surfaced, causing a stir, allegedly showing Calzadilla participating in a 2010 protest against the Ladies in White, when she would have been around 19. However, Calzadilla, who currently resides in Spain and has gained prominence for her critiques of Cuba's economic crisis and lack of freedoms, firmly denies being at that communist event.
Calzadilla, a member of the civil society organization Citizenship and Freedom, posted several photos to illustrate her appearance during that time. She stated, “All these pictures are from 2006 to 2010. Compare them, and you’ll see it’s not the same person. I was practically a child when all that happened. My respect and solidarity to the Ladies in White and to Cubans who, with a profound sense of justice and truth, have defended our nation’s freedom.”
According to the activist, the campaign against her includes spreading false information, harassment on social media, and possible threats. She emphasized that this is not the first time the Cuban government has used such tactics against opponents and critics of the system.
Despite the harassment, Amelia Calzadilla reaffirmed her commitment to continue exposing the realities in Cuba and urged the international community to remain vigilant against the regime’s attempts to stifle free expression on the island. “They won’t stop me,” she asserted, calling on others to reconsider the assumptions about her alleged presence at the event over a decade ago, as such assumptions create division among Cuban opposition.
U.S. Diplomat Meets with Calzadilla and Activists
On February 13, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. in Cuba, Mike Hammer, met with Calzadilla in Madrid, along with Magdiel Jorge Castro and Aneth Hernández Agrelo, members of Citizenship and Freedom. This group, established in 2023, aims to foster an informed and active society regarding civil and political rights, encouraging civic participation in public matters without fear of persecution or criminalization.
The members acknowledge the challenges of defending these rights in the current Cuban context and advocate for a democratic transition as a means to achieve significant progress. The following day, Hammer met with other exiled activists in Spain, reinforcing Washington’s support for Cuban civil society. Their discussions focused on human rights issues on the island and strengthening the opposition movement abroad.
Understanding the Challenges Facing Cuban Activists
Why is Amelia Calzadilla a target for a smear campaign?
Amelia Calzadilla is targeted because of her outspoken criticism of the Cuban regime's handling of economic crises and lack of freedoms, which threatens the regime's narrative and control.
What is the role of Citizenship and Freedom?
Citizenship and Freedom is an organization aimed at promoting an active and informed society in terms of civil and political rights, advocating for citizen participation without fear of repression.
How has the U.S. shown support for Cuban activists?
The U.S. has shown support by engaging with Cuban activists in exile, such as through meetings with diplomatic representatives like Mike Hammer, emphasizing a commitment to human rights and opposition movements.