Cuban writer and journalist Jorge Fernández Era and his wife, Laideliz Herrera Laza, touched down in Madrid on Sunday, bringing an end to over three years of intense repression, harassment, and restrictions enforced by the Cuban regime.
Fernández Era shared the news on Facebook with a post titled "IT'S POSSIBLE," detailing the arduous journey from his detention to the moment their plane landed on Spanish soil.
"Yesterday, March 29, 2026, Laide and I arrived in Madrid. This marks my first trip to Europe. Laide had never even flown before," the writer expressed.
Years of Harassment and Legal Struggles
The ordeal began on April 6, 2023. Fernández Era, who regularly attempted peaceful protests in Havana's Central Park demanding the release of political prisoners, was arrested just blocks from his home in a State Security operation.
On that day, he and his wife were on their way to UNEAC to process visas for presenting two books published by Guantanamera Publishing House in Valencia, Spain.
"They barred me from traveling. A travel ban and house arrest served as pillars for an illegal and baseless judicial case against a man guilty only of independent thought," he lamented.
During this period, he faced charges including "Disobedience," "Disrespect towards Revolutionary leaders," "Defamation against armed institution officers," and "Sedition," all of which loomed over him with the threat of a life sentence.
Perseverance Amid Threats
The harassment included numerous arbitrary arrests, beatings, and death threats. In July 2025, a lieutenant colonel from State Security physically assaulted him at the Zanja Unit, and Fernández Era shared photos of his injuries on Facebook.
On November 19 of that year, the head of the Aguilera PNR Unit informed him that the charges were dropped. "Free men travel," Fernández Era noted, reflecting on that pivotal moment.
Yet, the harassment continued. On March 18, the day he was summoned by the Spanish embassy for visa processing, he was interrogated by a State Security lieutenant colonel at the Zanja Unit. By March 20, the visas were approved.
Final Hurdles Before Freedom
The last intimidation attempt occurred at José Martí International Airport, where a public address announcement summoned him for a thorough inspection of his belongings. He was then taken to an office where the same lieutenant colonel and an agent named "Evelio" awaited him.
"It was another session of psychological torture, yet I stood my ground, risking a return home without a visa," the writer recounted.
Regarding the lieutenant colonel's demeanor, Fernández Era retorted with satire, "So cynical was he that he wished me a pleasant journey and claimed his desire to assist me. I responded by acknowledging his charm, suggesting a comedic troupe be formed under his guidance at Villa Marista."
Despite all odds, the couple successfully boarded the flight. In Madrid, they were welcomed by friends and explored the city, including a visit to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The trip also served a family purpose: visiting the writer's aunt, his mother's only sister, residing in Fuerteventura, who turned 80 on February 11.
"Reflecting on all we missed out on for three years due to a totalitarian state that holds its people hostage," Fernández Era pondered.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Dissidents
What were the charges against Jorge Fernández Era?
He faced charges of "Disobedience," "Disrespect towards Revolutionary leaders," "Defamation against armed institution officers," and "Sedition," which threatened him with a possible life sentence.
How did Jorge Fernández Era and his wife finally leave Cuba?
After years of legal battles and harassment, they successfully obtained visas from the Spanish embassy and boarded a flight to Madrid, despite last-minute intimidation attempts at the airport.