Cuba charges Havana Capitolio protester with enemy propaganda

Ariel Limias Leyva, a 53-year-old man, has been formally charged with “enemy propaganda against the constitutional order” in Cuba. The charges follow his protest at the Capitolio in Havana last Friday, where he displayed a banner with messages including “No + discrimination,” “absurd policy,” and “down with the dictatorship,” as well as “patria y vida y libertad.”

Limias Leyva was detained by four police officers after shouting “Down with the dictatorship!” during the incident. His wife, Yulia Morales, reported that he remains incommunicado at the Villa Marista State Security headquarters. The family is currently seeking legal representation to address the charges.

Following the protest, authorities have significantly increased police surveillance around the Capitolio, which serves as the seat of the National Assembly of People's Power. Residents noted an unusual and heavy police presence in the surrounding high-traffic areas connecting Old Havana and Centro Habana throughout the weekend and into Monday.