Karel Daniel Hernández Bosques, a member of the youth group 'Out of the Box Cuba', has taken to social media to voice his concerns after State Security summoned his mother, allegedly threatening the group with imprisonment if they continue to produce content critical of the communist regime.
"Yesterday, my mom was called in to be told that if we keep making videos, we're going to jail. Apparently, it's illegal here not to be a communist. But don’t worry, we’ll keep making videos," Karel Daniel stated in his video message.
According to Hernández Bosques, Yusleidy Bosques was summoned to the PNR Unit in Cerro, Havana, this past Saturday. The group shared the official summons as evidence, indicating Yusleidy was called in "for the purpose of being interviewed."
Rising Support and Unity Among Cubans
The young activist expressed satisfaction at the growing unity among Cubans, noting, "Even those who came on bicycles did so in a sort of caravan. We're together, and our numbers keep growing," referring to the support from individuals who accompanied them to the "interview."
An Ongoing Campaign of Repression
The recent summoning of Karel Daniel's mother is just the latest chapter in a systematic crackdown against the group that has been unfolding since February 2026.
Established in early January of that year in Cerro, Havana, 'Out of the Box Cuba' was founded by four young individuals around the age of twenty. They employ art, theater, and social media to challenge state indoctrination, easily recognized by their red caps bearing the slogan "Make Cuba Great Again."
The state’s retaliation has escalated over time. In February, agents visited the homes of group members, even approaching the grandmother of one under the guise of friendship.
On March 10, two officers from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) confronted the father of member Amanda Beatriz Andrés Navarro at his workplace, threatening imprisonment for the young activists.
The intimidation continued on March 18, with State Security visiting the homes of Karel Daniel’s mother and the father of another member.
Targeting Digital Presence
In March, ETECSA disabled the phones of all group members as punishment for their public support of influencer Anna Bensi. In April, their WhatsApp accounts were hacked in what the group described as a coordinated offensive against their digital presence.
This repression is part of a broader pattern of harassment directed at activists and content creators critical of the regime.
The affiliated group El4tico also faced crackdown, with members Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez being detained on February 6 in Holguín.
After 72 days in detention without a trial, Medina has refused to record the apology video demanded by State Security, while Zayas Pérez has sent a letter from jail stating, "They throw us in the dungeon for telling the truth."
Meanwhile, Anna Bensi and her mother have been under house arrest since March 25, facing sentences ranging from two to five years. Amnesty International documented these cases in April 2026, urging Cuban authorities to halt the repression.
In conclusion, Karel Daniel issued a direct warning to the regime: "Cubans are tired of you using mothers to instill fear in their children. We’re tired of you. Leave. We want to live in peace. Homeland and Life."
FAQs on 'Out of the Box Cuba' Repression
What is 'Out of the Box Cuba'?
'Out of the Box Cuba' is a youth collective founded by four young Cubans in January 2026 in Cerro, Havana. The group uses art, theater, and social media to challenge state indoctrination and advocate for change.
What actions has the Cuban government taken against the group?
The government has escalated its repression, including summoning family members, disabling communication tools, and hacking digital accounts, as part of a broader campaign against critics of the regime.
How has the international community responded to the repression?
Organizations like Amnesty International have documented cases of repression and called for an end to the Cuban government's harassment of activists and content creators.