Journalist Exposes State Security Enforcer at Díaz-Canel Event

Cuban journalist and activist Waldo Fernández Cuenca took to social media to expose the involvement of a State Security enforcer, previously known under the alias "Captain Alexander," at an official event led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, marking the 66th anniversary of this oppressive institution. Fernández Cuenca revealed that the agent had interrogated him on numerous occasions at the Aguilera police station in Lawton and had even visited his home to harass him. During the ceremony at the Palace of the Revolution, the officer's true identity was disclosed as Reinier Castillo Baró. "It is crucial that his name be added to the list of Cuban Repressors," the journalist stated.

A Notorious Figure Among Dissidents

Fernández Cuenca's revelation has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with other activists identifying Castillo Baró as the agent who had previously repressed them. One activist recalled being visited by the enforcer in 2018 and even recorded a video of their confrontation. Another recounted being interrogated by someone with the same alias and similar physical traits. Instances of intimidation on the streets of Havana and during arbitrary interrogations, marked by threatening language and violent demeanor, have also been documented.

Many users agreed on the necessity to publicly document and denounce these agents so that they may eventually be held accountable for their abuses. "It will be archived for when their time comes," commented one user. Another stressed that "impunity will not last forever."

Controversial Celebration

The State Security, one of the most feared and secretive bodies of the Cuban regime, celebrated its 66th anniversary on March 26. The event was attended by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who praised the 66 agents present, referring to them as "combatants of silence" and the "pride of the Cuban people." "I reaffirm the admiration and respect the Cuban people have for you (...) when one of your identities is revealed, there is always a special emotion felt from revolutionary sentiments," Díaz-Canel stated.

During the ceremony, the leader lauded the role of this repressive structure in "thwarting enemy plans," directly alluding to the opposition and system critics. The event unfolded in a triumphant tone, disconnected from the numerous human rights violation allegations against this entity.

Victims of Silence

Subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the State Security is responsible for carrying out arbitrary detentions, psychological intimidation, constant surveillance, defamation campaigns, and forced exiles against Cuban citizens exercising their right to free expression. Activist Hamlet Lavastida, who was detained for over 90 days in Villa Marista in 2021, recently claimed to have recognized Colonel "Samuel," who led his interrogation, on the same Cuban TV broadcast. The officer pressured him to either go into exile or cooperate as an informant under threats of being tracked even outside the island.

"I await the day when all these henchmen and torturers are held accountable before the Cuban public. They should be subjected to public scorn," wrote Lavastida. The regime portrays these events as tributes to "patriotism and humility," yet those who have suffered at the hands of State Security for merely dissenting from the government view these celebrations as a direct affront to the ongoing pain and injustice in Cuba.