As the crisis in Cuba worsens and repression against citizens remains steady, the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) finds time for leisure activities. This coming Sunday, the IV "6 de febrero" Soccer Cup will conclude in Havana, featuring teams from various repressive structures of the regime.
The official MININT Facebook page announced that the final match will see competition among teams representing the Directorate General of Counterintelligence, the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), the Directorate of Personal Security, and the Cuban Fire Department. The semifinals, taking place on Saturday, will determine the two teams that will vie for the championship on Sunday.
Held on the grounds of the Directorate of Personal Security in Havana, the tournament was organized to commemorate the birth of Camilo Cienfuegos and included participation from 17 teams, predominantly composed of the regime's enforcers. While MININT agents are busy pursuing activists, monitoring journalists, and suppressing protests, they simultaneously engage in recreational events like this soccer tournament.
Repression in Cuba has intensified in recent months, with numerous documented instances of arbitrary detentions, violence against protestors, and censorship of independent media. On March 21, 2024, the UN rapporteur on freedom of expression urged the Cuban regime not to crack down on protests that erupted across various provinces due to the economic crisis, power outages, and food shortages. In his statement, he emphasized that the right to protest must be upheld and that Cuban authorities should refrain from using violence against their people.
On May 7, 2024, opposition figure Ángel Moya, a former prisoner of the Black Spring, reported being tortured and mistreated by State Security. According to his account, he was violently beaten and handcuffed after being arrested alongside his wife, Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, while they attempted a peaceful demonstration.
On June 8, 2024, Father Alberto Reyes of the Camagüey diocese condemned the role of the enforcers in Cuba, highlighting that many are ordinary citizens granted temporary power to oppress their fellow countrymen. In his message, he criticized the violence against demonstrators and urged those involved in repression to reflect on their actions.
On October 8, 2024, a new wave of repression against independent media became apparent in Cuba. Journalists from outlets like elTOQUE and CubaNet were summoned, interrogated, and pressured by State Security. Some were forced to sign self-incriminating statements, while others faced confiscation of their electronic devices and money. This escalation in repression has led to the shutdown of several independent publications.
More recently, on November 9, 2024, the regime detained protestors in Encrucijada, Villa Clara, who were demonstrating against power outages. At least eight individuals were arrested, including those with health issues. Witnesses reported that State Security agents employed intimidation tactics, such as cutting internet access and shining flashlights on protestors' faces to identify them later.
These events illustrate a systematic pattern of repression in Cuba, where the government continues to use violence and censorship to stifle public dissent.
Understanding the Repressive Dynamics in Cuba
What is the "6 de febrero" Soccer Cup?
The "6 de febrero" Soccer Cup is a tournament held in Havana, organized by the Ministry of the Interior, featuring teams from different repressive entities of the Cuban regime.
Why is repression increasing in Cuba?
Repression in Cuba is escalating due to the government's efforts to silence dissent amidst growing economic challenges, widespread protests, and the demand for basic rights.
How is the international community responding to Cuba's repression?
The international community, including organizations like the UN, has condemned Cuba's repression and urged the government to respect human rights and allow peaceful protests.