The incident was reported by the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press.
By 14ymedio
HAVANA TIMES – Transport driver Felipe Rodriguez, 68, was detained in the municipality of San Antonio de los Baños, in Artemisa, after placing a message on his passenger tricycle that authorities considered offensive. The phrase “I don’t carry catfish or snitches, only free men” led to his arrest.
The case was reported by the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (Iclep), which warned about the situation of the Artemisa resident, who is well known among neighbors in the town for his cheerful character and friendly treatment of passengers.
Images circulating online show the vehicle with the sign placed on the back of the seat. In Cuban popular slang, “clarias” (catfish) and “chivatos” (snitches) are derogatory terms used to refer to informants or people who collaborate with the authorities. According to several complaints, the message was interpreted by police as a provocation.
User Odalys H. Rizo was one of the first to report the incident. In a message posted on social media she said that Rodríguez is a highly appreciated person in San Antonio de los Baños. “He’s one of those people you meet and your day lights up because of his jokes and good humor,” she wrote, while denouncing his arrest over the message placed on the tricycle.
In the same post she claimed that the officer who detained him not only arrested him but also threatened him. According to her account, the officer told the driver: “It makes me want to shoot you right here.” Rizo also said the driver was beaten during the procedure.
Several posts also reiterated that Rodríguez is a familiar figure on the streets of San Antonio de los Baños and that his joking personality is part of who he is. Some internet users described him as “a great human being,” “an amazing person,” and “a man with a big heart.”
Iclep stated that the incident reflects the climate of intimidation faced by those who express criticism or mockery of the political surveillance mechanisms on the Island. According to the organization, the driver’s detention is an example of how a simple expression can trigger reprisals.
Independent organizations and citizens have publicly held the authorities of San Antonio de los Baños responsible for the driver’s physical safety and have demanded clear information about his situation.
Translated by Regina Anavy for Translating Cuba.
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