Young activist Kamil Zayas Pérez, a member of the independent project El4tico, has managed to send a message from the Penal Instruction Center in Holguín, where he is detained for political reasons. He reached out to his supporters and those who have followed his case closely.
The message was shared on Facebook by Paula Amador Lobón. She explained that Kamil asked her to make his message public, which she described as stirring "pride and admiration beyond words." She also emphasized that Kamil "is not alone" and noted that the legal proceedings against him and his colleague, Ernesto Ricardo Medina, are "yet another example of repression in Cuba against those who think differently."
"What began as a humble little room has been transformed into a vast house. It has been worth it. Do not give up. Let's now build a village, one that is just and good. We count on you. Long live a Dignified Cuba," Kamil expressed in his message.
Kamil and Ernesto, founders of El4tico, were arrested on February 6 in Holguín during a police raid that involved searching their home and seizing electronic equipment used to produce content critical of the Cuban reality.
Both activists remain in provisional detention at the facility known as "Everyone Sings," while family members and fellow activists report they are facing politically motivated charges.
This message surfaces over two weeks after their arrest. Ernesto's wife, Doris Santiesteban, has openly shared how the imprisonment has affected their family, especially impacting their three-year-old daughter, who frequently asks about her father.
The case has sparked reactions both inside and outside Cuba. The hashtag #TodosSomosEl4tico is circulating on social media, and organizations and public figures are condemning what they see as a pattern of repression against critical voices on the island.
From prison, Kamil's message calls for perseverance and the building of "a just and good village," reinforcing the mission of the project that started, as he recalls, in "a humble little room" that evolved into a space for analysis and protest.
Key Questions About the Arrest of El4tico Activists
Why were Kamil Zayas and Ernesto Ricardo Medina arrested?
Kamil Zayas and Ernesto Ricardo Medina were arrested in Holguín on February 6 during a police raid. They are facing charges believed to be politically motivated, related to their work producing content critical of the Cuban government.
What impact has the imprisonment had on their families?
The imprisonment has significantly affected their families. Ernesto's wife, Doris Santiesteban, has publicly shared that their three-year-old daughter is deeply impacted, frequently asking about her father.
What has been the public response to their arrest?
The arrest has generated widespread reactions both domestically and internationally. The hashtag #TodosSomosEl4tico is trending on social media, with many organizations and public figures calling out what they see as a systematic repression of dissenting voices in Cuba.