Regime Prevents Cubanet Collaborator from Leaving the Country
Cuban Authorities Block Journalist Armando Sardiñas from Traveling Abroad, Violating Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
By Cubanet.org
Armando Sardiñas, a journalist and collaborator with Cubanet, was barred from leaving Cuba by State Security officials just as he was about to board a flight to Managua, Nicaragua. This incident highlights a blatant violation of Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Cuba is a signatory. Article 13 ensures the right to freedom of movement, including the right to leave any country.
Sardiñas, who has been repeatedly harassed, interrogated, and detained by Cuban authorities, recounted the events leading up to his blocked departure. On the day of his flight, he approached the immigration counter where two familiar State Security agents awaited him. These agents had been involved in his prior harassment, making their presence particularly menacing. After handing over his passport and ticket, Sardiñas was escorted to an office where a lieutenant colonel informed him that his travel was restricted.
Reflecting on this moment, Sardiñas described the profound impact on his aspirations: “Armandito lost everything, the sacrifices of his family… his dreams turned into a nightmare at that instant.” His words illustrate the severe and personal toll of the Cuban government’s actions against those who challenge the status quo.
Despite obtaining his passport and ticket without issue, the unexpected travel restriction underscores the unpredictable and oppressive nature of the Cuban regime’s tactics. Sardiñas expressed his frustration and disappointment, noting how his hopes for freedom were dashed just as he was about to embark on his journey.
This recent development is part of a broader pattern of suppression. In April, Sardiñas was detained while covering the “Día del Perro” march in Havana, an event focused on animal rights. His LIVE coverage on Social Media led to his arrest and a seven-hour interrogation. Additionally, in 2021, he was sentenced to 10 months of corrective labor for participating in the 11J anti-government protests. Since then, both he and his family have been subjected to continuous political harassment.
Sardiñas’ situation is emblematic of the broader struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in Cuba. This incident exemplifies the Cuban government’s ongoing violations of the most basic and fundamental human rights with impunity, severely restricting freedom of movement and expression for its citizens.
For further details, read the full story in English on cubanet.org, assisted by Google Translate.