Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) and a former spy from the group known as "The Five," has once again come under heavy criticism on social media. This follows a series of posts on his Facebook account where he targeted independent media and Cuban-American political figures.
Hernández's critiques included a sarcastic comment on CiberCuba's coverage of statements made by a Florida politician aligned with Donald Trump. He questioned why in the "land of the free," no Florida politician advocates for the Cuban community to assist their families on the island openly and without fear, much like any other immigrant group.
The post sparked a flood of negative responses. Many users accused him of exploiting the remittances issue while enjoying a comfortable life, courtesy of a system that impoverishes the people. A common sentiment was that they "continue to live off those who work within capitalism" and that "the biggest blockade in Cuba is internal." Comments ranged from "We don't want aid, we want freedom" to "stop living off lies," "you are the ones mistreating the people," and "the Cuban people's suffering is your fault, having suffocated them for 67 years."
Criticism Intensifies with New Accusations
The controversy escalated when Hernández posted another image on Facebook labeling Cuban-American politicians as "fake Cubans" with the hashtag #FakeCubans. He argued that if these individuals had even one family member in Cuba, they wouldn't be trying to "suffocate and cause suffering to our people."
The backlash was swift and widespread. Thousands of users condemned the Cuban regime's role in the populace's hardships and questioned Hernández's hypocrisy. Frequently shared comments highlighted that "the biggest blockade in Cuba is the government itself," and called for allowing the people to choose freely, stating, "if you care so much for the people, let them decide." Others pointed out, "a hero is the baker who gets up at 4 AM to provide bread, not you."
Public Outcry Over Government's Failures
Critics openly denounced the lack of freedoms and internal repression. Users reminded that "you have your entire family there and have been suffocating them since 1959," or that "the communist dictatorship suffocates its own Cuban people." Other posts declared, "you destroyed the country with your failed model," and "after 67 years of suffocating the people, you still blame outsiders," or "the real suffocation comes from the government not letting you even think freely."
Some comments detailed the daily hardships in Cuba. One user shared, "I am a woman who has held up to three jobs, and exhaustion and agony consume me. I have a mother and sister with mental issues and can't even provide them a decent breakfast. Stop mocking us." Another stated, "there's no electricity, no food, no medicine. Cuba isn't blockaded by anyone; it's held hostage by you."
Past Controversies Resurface
References to Hernández's past as a spy also emerged. "A hero to me is the doctor saving lives, not someone who ordered the killing of Brothers to the Rescue pilots," wrote one user, while another reminded him, "your cell in the United States still smells like you." Many reiterated that "the people have been suffocated by the PCC for years" and that "the disaster in Cuba is due to a system that has systematically destroyed the country."
Amid the criticism, some comments mixed irony with disenchantment. "Prepare for tougher times," one user wrote, "without irony anymore, with exhaustion. Tougher than what? Tougher than having no light or food? Cuba isn't in crisis; it's in collapse." Others confronted him with direct phrases like "your time is running out," "count the days, Gerardito," or "don't worry, the suffocation is now yours."
The two posts garnered thousands of reactions, shares, and critical comments, showcasing a growing frustration among Cubans towards regime figures like Hernández who attempt to blame the exile community and the United States for the nation's woes. A common thread in the responses was clear: the Cuban people are suffocated, but not by those who have left, rather by a regime that refuses to release its grip on power.
Understanding the Social Media Backlash against Gerardo Hernández
Why did Gerardo Hernández face such strong criticism on social media?
Gerardo Hernández was criticized for his posts attacking independent media and Cuban-American politicians, which many saw as hypocritical given the Cuban regime's own oppressive practices.
What were some of the common criticisms against the Cuban government mentioned in the responses?
Critics highlighted issues such as internal blockades imposed by the government, lack of freedom and basic necessities, and the regime's failed economic model as key sources of the country's problems.
How did Gerardo Hernández's past influence the criticism he received?
His past as a spy and involvement in controversial actions, such as the Brothers to the Rescue incident, were brought up by users, questioning his status as a hero compared to ordinary Cubans struggling daily.