The Cuban regime is attempting to add a fresh charge against Javier Ernesto Martín Gutiérrez, the 34-year-old MMA fighter known as "Spider-Man." He is accused of allegedly encouraging public protests, as reported by his family to Martí Noticias following a visit on Wednesday at Villa Marista, the headquarters of State Security in Havana.
His partner, Lisandra Cuza, and his mother, Lourdes Gutiérrez, were able to see him for the first time since his violent arrest on April 24 in Marianao. Around ten plainclothes agents reportedly beat him and forced him into an unmarked black vehicle.
The meeting was brief and heavily monitored. "We talked about family matters, but avoided any prohibited topics... the officer was present the whole time," Cuza recounted.
Despite the restrictions, the athlete's partner confirmed noticing marks on his body, consistent with the injuries he reported to his lawyer: "I didn’t understand why they took me like that. Ten plainclothes men attacked me, you know? They beat me."
Defiant Stance Amidst Charges
Far from backing down, the Cuban Fighting League MMA champion stood firm in his critical views when addressing the authorities. Cuza summarized his stance: "They can't accuse him of anything for his thoughts... he clearly stated: 'The president here is useless.'"
Regarding the new charge of incitement, Martín Gutiérrez responded firmly from his cell: "Why didn't anyone protest? Because everyone is afraid, and that’s the reality. Since I wasn't afraid, I went out to protest, but I knew I would end up here."
The athlete had been protesting from his home balcony on Avenida 31 in Marianao since at least April 19, condemning drug use, street violence, and the sight of women and children scavenging for food in garbage.
Family Speaks Out
His sister, Yuneisy Gutiérrez, explained his motivation: "It's the empathy and pain he feels seeing children, as he says, eating from the trash."
The pro-government site Razones de Cuba dismissed the protest as a "media show," suggesting the detained fighter might have mental health issues, a tactic historically used to discredit dissent in Cuba.
Authorities questioned Cuza about whether the athlete was on medication or had any disorders. Her response was clear: "I told them he's perfectly fine, no health issues whatsoever."
His mother also refuted official claims that he was a nuisance to neighbors: "He was always a very proper, well-mannered boy. I don’t understand where they’re getting this idea that neighbors complained—it’s false."
Escalating Repression
The case is part of an escalating pattern of repression: Prisoners Defenders reported 44 new political prisoners in Cuba in March 2026, with a total of 217 convicted of "sedition" on the island.
The family is now awaiting the formal decision on the charges, while Martín Gutiérrez's lawyer remains the sole communication link with the outside world since the champion was directly transferred to Villa Marista after his arrest.
Understanding the Charges Against "Spider-Man"
Why was Javier Ernesto Martín Gutiérrez arrested?
He was arrested for allegedly inciting public protests against the Cuban regime.
What has been Javier's response to the charges?
Javier has stood firm, defending his actions and criticizing the government for its ineffectiveness.
How did the authorities conduct the arrest?
The arrest was conducted violently by approximately ten plainclothes agents who beat him and took him away in an unmarked vehicle.