The recent interview given by Sandro Castro to CNN from Havana, where he criticized the leadership of Miguel Díaz-Canel and expressed support for capitalism, has stirred significant reactions across social media platforms. Doris Santiesteban Batista, the wife of Ernesto Ricardo Medina—one of the young men associated with the independent project El4tico who remains detained in Holguín—was among those who responded.
In a recent Facebook post, Santiesteban Batista highlighted the stark contrast between the public statements of Fidel Castro's grandson and the detainment of young individuals for expressing dissenting opinions. “Watching a CNN report, Sandro Castro is seen criticizing the Cuban government, so I imagine he will be detained just like the El4tico youths for expressing their opinions. It's unfair!” she wrote.
Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez were arrested on February 6 during a State Security operation. Both remain in provisional detention, charged with “propaganda against the constitutional order” and “incitement to commit a crime” due to the content shared on El4tico, a digital platform that criticizes the country's situation and highlights the economic and social crisis.
Santiesteban Batista's message prompted numerous reactions from other users, who echoed calls for the release of the detainees and questioned the unequal enforcement of the law. Comments such as “Freedom for political prisoners,” “The El4tico youths must be released immediately,” and demands that “the law should be equal for everyone” were prevalent among the responses.
Public Reactions to Sandro Castro's Statements
During his CNN interview, Sandro Castro stated, “In my view, the president is not doing a good job. Important decisions should have been made a long time ago that are affecting us today.” He also remarked, “Many people in Cuba think in capitalist terms and desire capitalism with sovereignty.”
Addressing potential privileges associated with his last name, he commented, “My last name is my last name, and I’m proud of it, but I don’t see the help you mention. I’m just like any other citizen.”
International and Domestic Pressure
The situation of the El4tico youths has drawn attention both within and beyond Cuba's borders. Ernesto Ricardo Medina’s detention has had a profound impact on his family, particularly on his young daughter, whose mother has highlighted the father's absence on social media.
Furthermore, public messages have continuously emphasized not forgetting the detainees or the human cost of these proceedings. Concurrently, international pressure has become evident. The United States Embassy in Cuba publicly asked, “Where are the #El4tico members? Release them!” amid growing concerns about the detainees’ situation.
As they remain imprisoned without trial, the call for their release persists across social media, where users and family members stress the importance of respecting freedom of expression and ending arbitrary detentions.
Key Questions About El4tico and Freedom of Expression in Cuba
Why were the El4tico youths detained?
Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez were detained for allegedly engaging in "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "incitement to commit a crime" through their critical content on the digital platform El4tico.
What was Sandro Castro's stance in his CNN interview?
In his interview with CNN, Sandro Castro criticized the Cuban government's management under Miguel Díaz-Canel and expressed a preference for a capitalist approach with sovereignty.
How has international pressure manifested in this case?
International pressure is visible through public statements from entities like the United States Embassy in Cuba, which has called for the release of the El4tico members.