Miguel Díaz-Canel, the leader of Cuba, recently stated in a special address that Cuba is open to discussions with the United States "on any topics they wish to debate," provided that there are "no pressures, no preconditions, and a position of mutual respect."
His remarks, broadcast by the Cuban Presidency, reiterated the longstanding official stance demanding sovereignty and equal treatment, continuing the rhetoric of Fidel and Raúl Castro.
"Dialogue cannot happen under pressure," Díaz-Canel asserted, advocating for a "civilized" relationship between the two nations, grounded in respect for national independence.
However, while the Cuban leader calls for respect and dialogue externally, his government is simultaneously intensifying repression against those attempting to exercise free expression within the country, punishing any form of dissent, criticism, or public debate.
Recently, the detention of young members from the independent project El4tico has once again highlighted this double standard.
The group, known for its political analysis videos and social critiques, has been releasing innovative videos that denounce the authoritarian nature of the Cuban system, offering sharp criticisms of the regime through the lenses of economics, sociology, psychology, and political philosophy.
For exercising their right to freedom of thought and expression, State Security arrested two members, Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina, in Holguín during an operation in which their work equipment was seized.
A letter penned by Kamil prior to his arrest revealed his foresight regarding the detention. "I am not arrested for theft or assault; I am arrested for the only crime a dictatorship cannot tolerate: thinking independently," he wrote.
The El4tico case is not isolated. Opponents, independent journalists, artists, and citizens peacefully expressing themselves continue to be harassed, monitored, and detained by State Security.
Young activists like Anna Sofía Benítez have reported similar patterns of persecution and censorship for exercising their right to speak freely.
Reports from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch confirm the ongoing arbitrary detentions, police surveillance, and rigged trials against demonstrators and communicators.
Díaz-Canel's talk of a "civilized dialogue" with Washington starkly contrasts with the complete absence of internal social dialogue.
While he insists on not being pressured from abroad, he applies pressure and silences his own people; while demanding respect for national sovereignty, he violates the sovereign rights of Cuban citizens to express themselves, organize, and think without fear.
It is paradoxical that the regime invokes dialogue with the United States but shuts down all channels of conversation among Cubans. The same government that calls for equality among nations does not tolerate equality among different voices within the country.
Díaz-Canel stated that "such a dialogue can build a civilized relationship between neighbors." Yet in Cuba—where social dialogue is met with imprisonment—neighbors who think differently are treated as adversaries.
The gap between rhetoric and reality is vast: the Cuban regime cannot negotiate under external pressures, yet thrives on pressuring its own people.
FAQs on Cuban Political Repression
Why is Díaz-Canel's approach to dialogue with the U.S. considered paradoxical?
Díaz-Canel's call for dialogue with the U.S. is seen as paradoxical because while he demands respect and equal treatment internationally, his government suppresses free expression and dissent domestically.
What is the significance of the El4tico group in Cuba?
The El4tico group is significant as it produces political analysis and social critique videos that challenge the Cuban regime's authoritarian nature, highlighting the lack of freedom of expression in the country.
How does the Cuban government respond to internal dissent?
The Cuban government responds to internal dissent with repression, including arbitrary detentions, police surveillance, and trials that lack fairness, aimed at silencing critics and discouraging free expression.