This past Wednesday, Cuban State Security summoned the top leaders of the Convivencia Studies Center (CEC) for questioning at the Pinar-1 Processing Unit of the Immigration and Foreign Affairs Offices in Pinar del Río. The organization described this incident on social media as yet another act of harassment aimed at disrupting their work.
The interrogation, which commenced at 10:30 in the morning, was led by Major Juan Manuel Pérez, head of the counter-revolutionary brigade in the province, alongside Major John, who was introduced as the new State Security officer assigned to "manage" Convivencia, replacing Major Ernesto.
Dagoberto Valdés Hernández, the director of CEC and the Convivencia magazine, was questioned first with three specific objectives cited by the officers.
Key Interrogation Objectives
The initial focus was on an incident the previous day involving two members of the environmental group Naturpaz. After visiting Valdés's home, they were stopped in the street by state agents, who read their statements and warned that Convivencia would not be allowed to conduct workshops or form alliances with Naturpaz or any other organization.
The second point concerned the presentation of books based on the doctoral theses of Valdés and Yoandy Izquierdo Toledo at the Hialeah Public Library on March 21. The officers inquired if any monetary compensation or awards were received for these publications.
The final objective was a stark political warning: any collaboration or activity with other groups could be interpreted as cooperation with the enemy, particularly given the ongoing tensions with the United States. Major Juan Manuel stated emphatically that "what happened in Venezuela, where even the color red was changed, will not happen in Cuba," and that they would act before the U.S. launched any missiles.
The CEC remains steadfast in its mission, emphasizing that the Convivencia Studies Center is committed to its civic and intellectual endeavors despite facing continuous pressures.
Ongoing Harassment of CEC Leaders
This is not the first time CEC leaders have faced such actions. In January 2026, State Security accused Valdés Hernández of terrorism and collaboration with a foreign power. Previously, in July 2024, he was questioned for over an hour and a half, and in December 2022, both Valdés and Izquierdo underwent similar interrogations.
Understanding Cuban State Security Tactics
What is the Convivencia Studies Center?
The Convivencia Studies Center is an organization dedicated to civic and intellectual development in Cuba, often facing state repression due to its independent activities.
Why does the Cuban government target organizations like Convivencia?
The Cuban government views independent organizations like Convivencia as potential threats to its control, often accusing them of collaborating with foreign powers to undermine the state.
How has the CEC responded to state pressure?
Despite ongoing harassment, the CEC has remained committed to its mission of promoting civic education and intellectual discourse in Cuba.