Esteemed actor Erdwin Fernández has expressed his support for the young content creators behind El4tico following their recent arrest.
"It's clear: In a small space like El4tico, there is more courage and determination than in all of Cuba and those of us who left. This is the youth we want, truly representing Cuba," Fernández remarked.
Fernández's comments align with those of other artists such as Haydée Milanés, Luis Alberto García, and Ulises Toirac.
García publicly condemned the arrest of young Kamil Zayas Pérez, a member of the independent project El4tico. He demanded Zayas's immediate release, arguing that his detention was solely due to his critical expression.
In a Facebook post, García Novoa stated, "This young man has been detained. Once again. He articulates his beliefs so well that I have no choice but to respect him deeply and demand his release. It's appalling to imprison ideas, regardless of their nature."
The actor shared the full text of a letter Zayas had penned prior to his arrest, where Zayas foresaw his detention, asserting it would not be for any common crime but for voicing uncomfortable truths to those in power.
Toirac believes the arrests of these young creators highlight how freedom of expression is both feared and suppressed in Cuba.
Meanwhile, Milanés described the detentions as "yet another example of the Cuban regime's horrors."
"Yesterday, these two young Cubans were detained simply for speaking their minds. Let the world know that in #Cuba, differing thoughts are ruthlessly pursued and punished. This isn't new; it's another testament to the horror we Cubans endure. Below is the message Kamil left, anticipating this arrest," Milanés shared on Facebook.
Her message references a letter by activist Kamil Zayas Pérez, who, along with Ernesto Ricardo Medina, was detained on Friday in Holguín during a police operation.
Understanding the Impact of El4tico's Arrests
Why were the members of El4tico arrested?
The young creators were detained for expressing critical ideas that challenge the Cuban regime, reflecting their advocacy for freedom of speech.
What has been the response from the artistic community?
Several artists, including Erdwin Fernández, Haydée Milanés, and Luis Alberto García, have publicly criticized the arrests and called for the immediate release of the detained individuals.