MIAMI, United States. — Social networks have echoed the first anniversary of the anti-government protests of the July 11, 2021 (J11). Organizations, activists, opponents and citizens inside and outside the island have recalled this Monday what happened during that day, described by many Cubans as Liberation Day.
On Twitter, the date has been commemorated with the hashtags #SOSCuba, #11JCuba and #11J, three of the most used during last year’s demonstrations.
“We commemorate the peaceful protests that began on July 11, 2021 in Cuba and we demand the release of more than 700 people deprived of their liberty for political reasons on the Island. ´Prisoners for what?´ is the question we ask in front of the Embassy of Cuba in the United States,” he said in a tweet International Institute for Race, Equality and Human Rights.
Protesters of that day also joined the first anniversary of 11J. One of those who remembered the date was the activist Camila Rodriguezmember of the working group Justice 11J.
“I cannot hide that I am proud to see myself in photos that accompany libertarian messages. My commitment was born that day, in that place, when I looked back and saw that many acquaintances would be arrested. Freedom for all political prisoners!” the young woman wrote.
the tweeter Norges Rodriguezdirector of the digital portal YucaByte, assured that 11J has become a milestone that not even the island’s regime can ignore.
“It was the biggest protest against the Cuban dictatorship. It was a victory for the Cuban people, there is no doubt about that. They shouted ‘down with the dictatorship’ and ‘down with communism’ in almost every corner of the country”.
the working group Justice 11Jan organization that over the last year has documented the number of imprisoned, prosecuted and convicted protesters, also recalled the date.
“For those who have been accompanying the prisoners of #11JCuba and their families for months, the most important thing is that they know that, despite the distance of thousands of kilometers and that they have borne the brunt, they are not alone.”
The first anniversary of 11J brought with it the pronouncement of the Embassy of the United States in Cuba.
“The Cuban regime continues to unjustly detain those who exercise their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Many are sick, minors or parents who have not seen their children. All have been denied due process. Their families await their return,” says the tweet from the diplomatic headquarters.
Outside of Cuba, several Cuban-American politicians remembered the date: Senator Marco Rubio, and congressmen María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez.
“Almost 1 year after 11J, the situation in Cuba has not changed: repression in its streets, daily blackouts, long lines for food and pharmacies without medicines. It is only a matter of time for a new social outbreak. The Cuban people have lost everything, even fear!”, assured María Elvira.
On the other side of the political spectrum, the Cuban ruler Miguel Diaz-Canel He also made reference to 11J, a date that he did not hesitate to describe as a victory of the Revolution.
“This Monday we will be celebrating the victory of the Cuban people, of the Cuban Revolution, over hate,” the president stressed.
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