After being questioned by State Security this week and released with a warning letter, young Cuban Selena Lambert Ortega continues to experience political police repression. Her offense? Launching a social media poll comparing political preferences between Marco Rubio and Miguel Díaz-Canel for the Cuban presidency.
At just 24, Selena, a manicurist, has become known among Cubans as "The Symbolic Election Girl" following her virtual poll on Monday. The survey asked participants to choose between the two figures, leading to her being summoned by State Security for questioning. Although she was released the same day, she was forced to delete the poll, which had shown U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the winner.
On Thursday, journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that Selena and her partner were evicted from their rented home in Santiago de Cuba. The eviction came as a result of political police pressure on the property owners.
"Selena is once again paying a steep price for thinking, questioning, and exercising her right to free expression," Mayeta remarked.
Residents of the Veguita de Palo area, where the couple lived, confirmed to Mayeta that they were forced to leave. "They removed her out of fear, believing her presence might bring trouble," said an anonymous source.
"No formal explanations were given—only fear, imposed silence, and the pressure that pervades many Santiago de Cuba neighborhoods today," Mayeta noted, adding that Selena had to relocate to family members' home, starting from scratch both personally and financially.
Mayeta also explained that Selena has refrained from interviews "for security reasons," and her story is relayed through friends who support her and wish to see her succeed.
Mayeta called for public solidarity, urging people to support Selena in her profession as a manicurist.
"Book your appointment at +53 63814154 and support her business. Every call is support. Every appointment is an extended hand," he wrote. "Today, supporting her work is more than economic aid: it's an act of solidarity, collective protection, and civic resistance. Helping her means defending the right to work without fear and supporting a young woman who seeks only to work, live peacefully, and move forward."
He warned that "this case reveals an uncomfortable truth: fear and intimidation no longer target opinions alone; they punish the lives, work, and livelihoods of young Cubans who don't engage in politics but think, ask questions, and earn a living with dignity."
The feminist publication Alas Tensas also commented on the harassment against Selena.
"Selena's expulsion isn't an isolated incident. In Cuba, landlords are threatened by political police to evict tenants deemed problematic due to their political views or dissenting activities. This has been a common practice aimed at silencing and pressuring regime opponents," the publication stated.
Impact of Political Repression on Young Cubans
Why was Selena Lambert Ortega targeted by Cuban authorities?
Selena Lambert Ortega was targeted by Cuban authorities because she conducted a social media poll comparing political preferences between Marco Rubio and Miguel Díaz-Canel, which was seen as a challenge to the regime.
What were the consequences Selena faced after the poll?
After releasing the poll, Selena was interrogated by State Security, forced to delete the poll, and subsequently evicted from her rented home due to pressure from political police on the property owners.
How has the community responded to Selena’s situation?
The community, led by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, has responded by urging public solidarity and support for Selena's work as a manicurist, emphasizing the importance of collective protection and civic resistance.