Julio Ferrer Tamayo, a lawyer with Cubalex, presented to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) the complex situation faced by independent civil society organizations in Cuba due to ongoing harassment by the Cuban state. He emphasized that the systematic implementation of these methods constitutes a pattern aimed at dismantling these organizations.
Intervention by Julio Ferrer Tamayo:
My name is Julio Alfredo Ferrer Tamayo, I am a lawyer with Cubalex and I work in Havana from where I have traveled to address this distinguished Commission and present my perspective on the critical situation faced by independent civil society organizations in Cuba.
In my experience, these organizations are subjected to persistent harassment by the Cuban state's repressive mechanisms. Through a wide range of strategies, their dismantling is systematically sought. This repression, of extreme intensity, threatens to completely eradicate the presence and impact of these entities, which are essential to Cuban society.
The methods of repression include government infiltration, attacks on members and their families, and politically motivated legal proceedings. Neutralizing leaders is a key strategy, carried out through forced exile, threats against family members, or smear campaigns. In particular, I would like to highlight the harassment and psychological pressure exerted on members, such as the Ladies in White, who suffer constant persecution and abuse. Their leader, Berta Soler, lives under constant siege in her home, her daily life severely disrupted.
The repression extends to raids and confiscation of work equipment, as in the case of Cubalex, whose headquarters were raided, resulting in the confiscation of documents and equipment, and the forced exile of most of its members. I was arrested during these events and imprisoned for approximately 11 months. Imprisonment is another method of repression, serving as both punishment and a warning. The systematic implementation of these methods indicates a pattern aimed at dismantling independent civil society organizations in Cuba.
My journey with independent civil society organizations in Cuba began in 2009 after my departure from the National Organization of Collective Law Firms, motivated by my commitment to a fair and rights-respecting justice system. This decision led me to become involved with people affected by injustices and legal malpractice, marking the beginning of my relationship with independent civil society in Cuba.
My first significant experience was with the Cuban Legal Association (AJC), through which I attempted to obtain legal recognition by following established legal procedures. Despite fulfilling all requirements, such as requesting a certificate of no duplicate name and filing legal appeals due to the lack of response from the authorities, our efforts were systematically ignored or rejected. We even took the case to the Supreme Court, which recognized our right to receive a response, but legalization was still denied.
I experienced a similar situation with Cubalex, facing evasive responses and rejections from the authorities despite meticulously following the established procedures. This experience underscored the general lack of knowledge about the law and legalization procedures among both the population and officials—a gap that appears to be a deliberate strategy by the Cuban state to obstruct the legal recognition of these organizations.
Personally, I find great satisfaction in educating people about the law and the legal methods that can facilitate the legalization of these organizations. However, it is deeply disappointing to face the absolute refusal of Cuban authorities to legally recognize these organizations, even though they meet all the requirements. This attitude of the Cuban state closes off any possibility of legal recognition, ignoring even existing legal provisions.
My main recommendation to independent civil society organizations in Cuba is to persist in the struggle to defend their rights and achieve legal recognition. They must not falter in their efforts.
I appeal to the international community, urging them to support these organizations. Joint and coordinated action is crucial to exert pressure on the Cuban authorities to ensure respect for the rights of these organizations and their members.
Regarding my vision for the future and my final reflections, it is true that the outlook for independent civil society organizations in Cuba is bleak, given the current atmosphere of systematic repression. However, I remain convinced that the struggle for human rights and justice is a compelling and essential cause. It will continue to be the guiding light for our efforts and aspirations toward a future where equity and respect for human dignity prevail.