Renowned journalist and director of 14ymedio, Yoani Sánchez, revealed on Sunday through a Facebook video how she was obstructed from leaving her Havana residence. An undercover State Security agent, masked and without any legal warrant, barred her exit without revealing his identity.
In the footage, Sánchez directly confronted the agent, addressing the camera.
"Here at the entrance of my building, I've encountered this civilian-clad individual who hasn't identified himself. His face is covered, seemingly afraid to be recognized, and he insists that I am not allowed to leave," she stated.
When Sánchez inquired about the authority behind this restriction, the agent's cryptic response implied she should already know.
"Can you tell me? Who's giving this order?" Sánchez asked.
"I don't know," the agent replied, to which Sánchez retorted, "You're violating my rights."
She emphasized the lack of any legal basis for the restriction.
"I am a citizen who hasn't committed any crime, hasn't been tried in court, nor has any restraining or house arrest order. So why are you preventing me from leaving?" she pressed.
And she added, "You could be a thug, a delinquent, a neighborhood criminal."
The undercover agent simply responded, "Anjá."
Alongside the masked agent, Sánchez noted the presence of two women, unfamiliar to her community, seemingly part of the surveillance team stationed outside her building.
This isn't the first instance where Sánchez has been restricted from leaving her home.
On January 28, she was detained by four agents—two identified by their State Security Department credentials—at the junction of Ayestarán Avenue and Calle Primera. She was en route to a diplomatic reception hosted by U.S. mission chief Mike Hammer, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Her husband, journalist Reinaldo Escobar, faced a similar blockade when attempting to exit through another door. The agents escorted Sánchez back to her home.
That day, other dissidents like Berta Soler, Ángel Moya, Manuel Cuesta Morúa, and Marthadela Tamayo faced similar restrictions.
This pattern aligns with an intensifying crackdown documented in early 2026.
The Inter American Press Association, where Sánchez serves on the board, has formally condemned this crackdown.
Official spokesperson Humberto López claimed in February that Cuba does not target dissidents, a statement starkly contradicted by systematically documented cases.
Understanding the Restrictions on Yoani Sánchez
Why was Yoani Sánchez prevented from leaving her home?
Yoani Sánchez was prevented from leaving her home by a State Security agent who gave no legal reason or identification for the restriction.
Has Yoani Sánchez faced similar restrictions in the past?
Yes, Sánchez has been restricted from leaving her home on previous occasions, including a notable incident on January 28 when she was detained while heading to a diplomatic event.
What is the response of the Inter American Press Association?
The Inter American Press Association, where Yoani Sánchez is a board member, has formally condemned the escalation of repressive actions against journalists and activists in Cuba.