Cuban activist and member of the Ladies in White, Leticia Ramos Herrería, was barred by the regime's authorities from leaving the country as she attempted to travel to the United States for specialized medical care.
Earlier this November, Ramos Herrería was detained, and she shared in a social media video how she was separated from other passengers at the airport and taken to a secluded room. This tactic is commonly used by State Security against dissidents and human rights defenders.
"Two officers from the MININT informed me that I was prohibited from traveling because they didn't want me to attend a Ladies in White event in the United States," the activist explained.
According to her account, she was held for several hours before being released. Ramos Herrería directly blamed State Security for anything that might happen to her, emphasizing her precarious health condition.
Ongoing Repression Against the Ladies in White
This recent act of repression is not an isolated incident. The Cuban regime has repeatedly prevented members of the Ladies in White from traveling. Since its inception in 2003, this organization has demanded the release of political prisoners and highlighted human rights abuses in Cuba.
The activists, internationally recognized for their peaceful efforts, have faced arbitrary arrests, threats, and confiscations. The travel ban has become a common tool for the government to punish civic activism and cut it off from international support.
A Life at Risk in a Country Without Rights
Leticia Ramos Herrería's situation underscores the regime's policy of control and punishment against dissenters. Denying her the opportunity to address a serious health issue violates not only her freedom of movement but also her right to life and healthcare.
"If anything happens to me, State Security will be responsible," warned Ramos Herrería.
While the government attempts to present an image of openness and dialogue to the world, the repression against the Ladies in White persists. Over two decades since the movement's founding, its members continue to face detention, harassment, and silencing.
A Legacy of Peaceful Resistance
With over twenty years of activity, the Ladies in White stand as a symbol of peaceful resistance in Cuba. Their iconic image—women dressed in white carrying gladioli during Sunday marches—represents dignity in the face of oppression.
Under the leadership of Berta Soler, the movement has steadfastly continued its activism despite ongoing harassment by State Security. Their international recognition came with the 2005 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded by the European Parliament.
More recently, Soler was honored with the 2025 Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award for her dedication to democracy and human rights in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuba's Human Rights Situation
What is the Ladies in White movement?
The Ladies in White is a Cuban human rights organization formed in 2003, advocating for the release of political prisoners and highlighting human rights violations in Cuba. They are known for their peaceful protests.
Why was Leticia Ramos Herrería prevented from leaving Cuba?
Leticia Ramos Herrería was prevented from leaving Cuba because the regime did not want her to participate in a Ladies in White event in the United States, according to her testimony.
How does the Cuban government respond to dissent?
The Cuban government frequently uses tactics such as arbitrary detentions, travel bans, and harassment to silence and punish dissenters and human rights activists.