Yoani Sánchez this Friday, one day after being arbitrarily detained for nine hours by Cuban State Security. / 14ymedio

I witnessed how dozens or even hundreds of people are detained every day in Havana simply because their identity cards do not list an address in the capital.

By Yoani Sánchez (14ymedio)

HAVANA TIMES – I express my infinite gratitude to everyone who spoke out against my arbitrary arrest this Thursday, demanded my release, and stood by me in solidarity. Every message, every denunciation, and every voice raised was essential. Thank you for not leaving me alone.

But I also emerged from that jail cell with an injustice to denounce, one I cannot remain silent about. There, I witnessed with horror how dozens or even hundreds of people are detained every day in Havana simply because their identity cards do not list an address in the capital. They are processed as “illegals” and subjected to forced deportation to their home provinces. The two words I heard most often during my detention were “illegals” and “deportation.” Cubans treated like garbage in their own country.

I also denounce the complete subservience of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) to State Security. Police officers, patrol cars, and police facilities are used as instruments of political repression, serving those who persecute and punish people for exercising their civil liberties.

In the video below I share my experience, my gratitude, and, above all, my concern for those who remain locked up without their names ever reaching social media or their stories making the headlines.

Once again, thank you for helping me regain my freedom. Let us not forget those who still do not have theirs.

First published in Spanish by 14ymedio and translated and posted in English by Havana Times

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