Cuba Arrests 10 Panamanians for Anti-Government Propaganda
Authorities in Cuba have arrested ten Panamanian nationals for allegedly engaging in anti-government propaganda. The arrests took place in Havana, as reported by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (Minint).
Cuban Arrests of Panamanians: Key Details
The individuals detained include:
- Víctor Manuel Pinzón Cedeño
- Evelyn Edith Castro
- Anthony Williams Jules Pérez
- Omar Gilberto Urriola Vergara
- Maykol Jesús Pérez Almendra
- Adalberto Antonio Navarro Asprilla
- Abigail Sthefany Gudiño Castro
- Patrochiny Jerodany Joseph Arisarena
- José Luis Aguirre Baruco
- Cinthia del Carmen Camarena Castro
Charges and Context
The arrested individuals are accused of propagating messages against Cuba’s constitutional order. According to the Cuban Penal Code, such charges can result in prison sentences of up to eight years.
Evidence against them includes graffiti containing phrases like:
- “Down with tyranny”
- “Communism: enemy of the community”
- “We trust Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and Mike Hammer”
These messages were dated February 28, and appeared to be linked to the CDPC, although the independent NGO denied any involvement.
Recruitment and Financial Incentives
Reports indicate that the ten Panamanians were recruited in Panama to create these subversive signs, with promised payments ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 each upon their return to Panama.
Background Tensions
This incident occurs during a period of heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba, following U.S. restrictions on oil imports to the island. Recent confrontations have added to the strain, including a reported gunfight involving a fast boat from the U.S. carrying armed Cuban nationals, leading to fatalities and injuries.
These developments spotlight the ongoing political instability in the region and underline the complex relationships between Cuba, Panama, and the United States.
