The comedian Alejandro García, widely recognized as Virulo, recently took to Facebook to express his opposition to the repression of citizens airing their views in Cuba. Although he firmly opposed any foreign intervention in the country's matters, he stressed the need for internal resolution.
In his Facebook post, Virulo declared:
"I don’t want Trump to save me from anything. The issues in Cuba need to be resolved by Cubans without the interference of Americans. However, it is imperative not to suppress those who raise their voices and express their thoughts without committing any crime, as this is an inalienable right."
He further elaborated on his stance in the comments section, clarifying the context behind his message.
Virulo highlighted that his statement directly pertains to the situation involving two young individuals detained in Holguín, associated with the independent project El4tico.
"That’s why I emphasize that no one should be repressed if they haven’t committed a crime," he reiterated.
Virulo's position is particularly noteworthy. As one of the prominent supporters of the regime within the artistic community, he openly criticizes the government for targeting individuals who have not committed any crimes and are merely exercising their right to free expression.
The comedian, who was honored in 2022 by the Ministry of the Armed Forces for his "commitment to the revolution," is now questioning the regime's approach to dealing with dissenting voices.
Despite the seemingly contradictory stance from someone historically aligned with the official narrative, his message joins a growing chorus—both inside and outside of Cuba—condemning the government's repression of young people whose only "offense" is to voice, analyze, or critique the country's reality.
In a climate where economic, social, and moral crises plague millions of Cubans, the state's response remains one of control and intimidation.
Repression of Independent Thought
The core issue is the criminalization of independent thought and the use of repression as a political tool in a dictatorship.
What Happened with El4tico?
Virulo's statement follows the arrest in Holguín of Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina, linked to the El4tico project, known on social media for its socio-political analyses and critiques of Cuban reality.
Activists and the platform Ciudadanía y Libertad reported that both were apprehended during a police operation and taken to the Holguín Penal Instruction headquarters, infamously known as "Everybody Sings," a center accused of violent interrogation practices and degrading treatment.
During the raid, authorities confiscated computers, phones, cameras, and other equipment used by the young men to document their work.
The El4tico project released a video capturing the operation, in which an officer could be heard stating he had a warrant to enter. Since then, social media users and activists have shown solidarity with the detained, using the hashtag #TodosSomosEl4tico.
Several public figures, including Luis Alberto García, Ulises Toirac, and the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, have called for the human rights of Kamil Zayas and Ernesto Ricardo Medina to be respected and for their release.
Virulo's intervention is particularly significant given his longstanding support for the Cuban political system.
His stance does not align with traditional opposition but rather highlights an internal divide: even voices historically aligned with the regime acknowledge that suppressing ideas conflicts with any concept of justice or dignity.
The incident occurs in a nation plagued by power outages, inflation, mass migration, and deep social unrest. In such a setting, any voice criticizing the system is seen as a threat rather than a citizen exercising their right.
Understanding Cuba's Current Repression
What is Virulo's position on foreign intervention in Cuba?
Virulo opposes any foreign intervention in Cuba's affairs, asserting that Cubans should address their problems independently.
Who are Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina?
Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina are young individuals connected to the El4tico project, known for its critical analysis of Cuban socio-political issues. They were detained in Holguín.
Why is the El4tico project significant?
The El4tico project is significant for its independent socio-political critiques and analyses of Cuba, challenging the government's narrative and highlighting issues within the country.