Cuban activist Omara Ruiz Urquiola revealed on Saturday that the island's regime confiscated several animals from her family's farm in Viñales, Pinar del Río. On her Facebook page, she shared that officials from the Viñales Municipal Delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) arrived at the property during a heavy downpour and took away a donkey and "Rita," a pregnant cow born on the farm.
The authorities informed Isabel, the mother of Omara and Ariel Ruiz Urquiola, that the animals would be relocated to a state farm for "their care." However, Omara expressed concerns about these state farms, which have historically exemplified the failure of the regime's agricultural policies and mirror the crisis forcing millions of Cubans to emigrate or resort to desperate measures for survival.
In her statement, the opposition activist voiced her outrage at what she described as a theft, taking advantage of her 78-year-old mother's solitude on the farm. She emphasized that this was another act of aggression against her family, particularly towards her mother, a former literacy teacher who has managed to rejuvenate neglected land.
Omara also underlined the mistreatment of the animals, which she claims pose no threat and harm no one. "Their hatred for our family, and for every decent Cuban who merely by existing reminds them of what they stand for, drives them to target my mother and the animals," Omara stated.
"We are alive; that is and will remain OUR FARM, and those animals are OURS," she asserted. The family is well-known for their opposition to the Cuban regime and has frequently faced repercussions from the authorities.
Other Cuban activists, such as Yamilka Laffita, known online as Lara Crofs, condemned the incident and the aggression against the Ruiz Urquiola siblings' mother. The elderly woman, approaching 80, has kept the animals in excellent health and managed the farm after her children were forced into exile, preventing their return to the island. Isabel vowed to protect her animals, Lara Crofs stated, holding the regime accountable for the elderly woman's safety.
Impact of Animal Seizure on Cuban Families
Why did the Cuban regime seize animals from the Ruiz Urquiola farm?
The Cuban regime claimed the animals were being moved to a state farm for their care, although the Ruiz Urquiola family and critics argue it was an act of aggression against their longstanding opposition to the regime.
What is the significance of the Ruiz Urquiola family in Cuban activism?
The Ruiz Urquiola family is notable for their vocal opposition to the Cuban regime, having faced numerous retaliations for their activism, including this recent seizure of their farm animals.
How have state farms historically performed in Cuba?
State farms in Cuba have historically been seen as failures, serving as symbols of the regime's ineffective agricultural policies, which have contributed to the broader economic and social crises facing the nation.