Cuba’s government has intensified its crackdown on journalists, activists, and opposition figures to hinder attendance at the U.S. Embassy’s July 4th celebration in Havana, according to a news outlet focused on Cuban affairs.
Reports indicate that some individuals hit by the crackdown were either arrested or placed under surveillance and effectively kept under “house arrest,” preventing them from participating in the festivities.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana reportedly hosted a reception on July 4, led by Charge d’Affaires Mike Hammer, who has come under fire from the regime for his outreach efforts in connecting with local communities. Such diplomatic events generally see attendance from various activists, journalists, as well as representatives from other nations and local organizations.
According to Marti Noticias, authorities surrounded the homes of several invited Cuban activists and journalists on the evening of the event, deploying the National Revolutionary Police and national security forces to ensure they couldn’t attend.
Among those reportedly arrested was Berta Soler, a prominent leader of the White Rebel group. Her husband, Angel Moya Acosta, noted on social media that Soler was detained while she was at her office in Lawton, Havana.
Marti Noticias also confirmed that activist Marthadella Tamayo, along with her partner, rapper Osvaldo Navarro, were arrested just as they left their home in Havana’s Cello Municipality. Additionally, human rights advocate Oscar Elias Bissett and his wife, anti-communist activist Elsa Morejon, were also placed under house arrest.
“From early on, there have been political police operations near my block. There are two plainclothes police officers and a couple of police cars lurking around,” Morejon shared on social media. “I’ve heard from other journalists that this is all to prevent my husband and me from attending the July 4th reception we were invited to.”
Camilla Acosta, a journalist from the Spanish newspaper ABC, mentioned that she and her husband were similarly placed under house arrest, keeping her from the reception.
“In my six years of independent journalism, I’ve attended this event multiple times. Typically, when an embassy invites less confrontational representatives, we face no surveillance from the government,” she stated.
“This current U.S. administration has intensified pressure on the Cuban government. Now, they see our participation in events like this as a threat. It feels like they want to isolate us,” she added.
Cuban journalist Reinaldo Escobar echoed similar sentiments with another news outlet, stating that he was prevented from leaving his home by state security officers, who barred him from going to a lunch and the embassy event.
“I was about to head out for lunch, but I was stopped by state security who told me I couldn’t leave,” he emphasized, characterizing the treatment of invitees as a significant disrespect toward the American state.
Escobar posed a rhetorical question regarding the situation: “How would ‘Cuban Friends in Washington’ react if the FBI prevented them from attending an event at the Cuban Embassy?”
The July 26th commemorates the 1953 Moncada Barracks assaults led by Fidel Castro.
Mike Hammer has been the acting head of the U.S. embassy since November; there has not been a permanent ambassador for over six decades due to the Castro regime’s hold over the island. In recent weeks, U.S. diplomats have been visiting various locations in Cuba, meeting with local families, religious groups, dissidents, and political prisoners.
The Cuban government has openly condemned Hammer’s efforts, accusing him of “interventionist” activities and claiming that U.S. diplomats are inciting Cuban citizens against the regime. Cuban Deputy Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cocio stated that they might consider expelling Hammer if actions continue.
“As long as what he’s doing is deemed dangerous, we will not rule out any responses,” Fernandez noted, being quite cautious about potential actions.
Reports have surfaced indicating that Cuban citizens were barred from attending the July 4th event, even if they had received invitations, due to Hammer’s recent activities, as noted by members of the independent Cuban think tank Coexistence Research Center (CEC).
Independent union leader Juan Alberto de la Nues Ramirez and his brother reported to Marti Noticias that they faced obstacles from law enforcement, which discouraged their attempt to travel to Havana. Officials informed them that Hammer was involved in “destructive activities” throughout Cuba, including the July 4 reception.
“Two officers from the political police came and threatened our ride. I told them to leave us alone. We are under constant surveillance, and they warned us that any attempt to leave would lead to severe consequences,” Ramirez recounted.
