Exiled Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla announced on Wednesday that her parents had been released from the IV Police Unit of Cerro in Havana following a two-hour interrogation by State Security agents. She publicly expressed her gratitude for the support they received throughout the ordeal.
In a Facebook post, Calzadilla shared that she had yet to contact her parents due to connectivity issues in Cuba. However, she wanted to extend her thanks to the Christian group led by Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora, also known as the "Herald of Christ," for being present with them. "I want to thank the Christian group led by Pastor Rolando 'Herald of Christ' for standing by them. Once I'm able to communicate, I'll share more details," wrote the activist.
Calzadilla also expressed appreciation to those who have supported her since she publicly denounced the summons: "A thousand thanks to everyone who has supported me in this denunciation and offered help and comfort."
The Interrogation and Its Political Context
The interrogation was reported by Calzadilla on July 12, when she revealed that the summons was issued on July 11—the fifth anniversary of the 11J protests—directly to her family's home in Cerro by two agents, one in civilian clothes and the other in uniform. She described the action as a direct reprisal for her political activism from exile, characterizing her parents as "elderly and ill" who live as "hostages of a tyrannical, bloodthirsty, and criminal dictatorship."
On the day of the questioning, before it began, Calzadilla posted a powerful message: "I have no regrets, my parents are not being interrogated for my political activism, they are being questioned because they live as hostages of a tyrannical, bloodthirsty, and criminal dictatorship. This is until the end."
Role of Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora
Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora's presence with Calzadilla's parents reflects a documented pattern of support for activists and their families under state repression. On July 2, the pastor accompanied activist Anna Bensi during a police summons in Alamar, and the next day, he was detained for more than eight hours along with members of the "Out of the Box Cuba" collective. In March 2026, he was arrested in Peñas Altas, Matanzas, for recording a biblical teaching video.
Exile and Continued Activism
Calzadilla has lived in Madrid since November 2023, after going into exile with her husband Tony Díaz and their three children following years of systematic harassment by State Security. In June 2023, her husband was detained as a form of emotional blackmail. In January 2024, the regime threatened to ban her from entering Cuba as a result of her social media activism.
The practice of summoning or interrogating relatives of exiled activists is a documented tactic of the Cuban regime to pressure dissidents from abroad, using vulnerable individuals as a tool of psychological coercion. The timing of the summons on the 11J anniversary underscores the view that it was a deliberate and intimidating action.
Calzadilla has pledged to provide further details about the interrogation once she is able to communicate with her parents.
Key Questions About the Interrogation of Amelia Calzadilla's Parents
Why were Amelia Calzadilla's parents interrogated?
Amelia Calzadilla's parents were interrogated as part of the Cuban regime's tactic to pressure dissenting voices abroad by targeting their vulnerable relatives, using it as a psychological tool.
Who supported Calzadilla's parents during the interrogation?
Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora, known as the "Herald of Christ," and his Christian group provided support to Calzadilla's parents during the interrogation.
Where is Amelia Calzadilla currently residing?
Amelia Calzadilla is currently residing in Madrid, having sought exile there with her family in November 2023.