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Ubaldo Herrera Hernandez, a human rights activist in Cuba and a member of the Cuba Mises Institute, was arrested on February 2nd. Manuel Velazquez Visea, another Cuban libertarian activist, was also arrested. We have been able to confirm that other members of Mises Cuba were threatened by security officials after the incident, but no further arrests have yet been made.

At a time when many Americans and other global leaders have wished to romanticize the Castro regime, this is a reminder of their history of oppression for anyone who longs for freedom.

Hernandez, who also oversees the Benjamin Franklin Libertarian Library project, was charged with the crime of “attack”, a common charge for political opponents. According to Mises Cuba and the PanAmPost, Hernandez was arrested after refusing to show ID to an undercover officer working for state security forces.

At a time when interest in the works of Ludwig von Mises and the Austrian school is growing in developing nations , this arrest is a solemn reminder of the incredible courage of those spreading ideas in countries where government routinely crackdown on political opposition.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Visea, and all the other members of Mises Cuba.

Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito