Cuban Robert Pérez faced a difficult struggle to survive, since, after being in a prison on the island, he was at the mercy of the Castro regime.
Resident in Florida since 1989, Pérez decided to return to his homeland in 2015 to settle there. However, what began as an attempt to rebuild his life on the island ended in a 15-year prison sentence on charges related to money laundering and tax evasion, according to laws created by the dictatorship at will.
During that time, Pérez began to experience serious heart problems. Severe blockages in his heart required urgent surgery, but the Cuban prison system lacked the necessary resources to care for him.
Furthermore, the situation was further complicated by bureaucratic demands: while the United States demanded an official certification that Cuba could not carry out the procedure, the Cuban authorities refused to issue said document, leaving Pérez in a critical limbo.
statements by the Cuban regime itself at the United Nations, where they mentioned difficulties in acquiring medical supplies due to the US embargo, opened an unexpected possibility.
These statements were used as evidence to justify the conditional release of Robert Pérez, who managed to return to the United States.
Once back in Florida, he underwent heart bypass surgery at NCH. Although the procedure itself was not complex, Dr. Robert Pascotto highlighted that Pérez was on the verge of a massive heart attack due to his critical state of health.
Today, with his life rebuilt, Pérez is grateful for the support he received and reflects on the challenges that Cubans face in similar circumstances.
Taking this context into account, it is worth highlighting that thousands of political prisoners in Cuba are going through the same situation, who see how their lives disappear with the passing of the days, locked in a place where they never deserved to be for a single second.
Editorial of Cubans around the World
How did Robert Pérez cope with imprisonment and maintain hope during his time in jail?
Interview: The Struggles of Return – An Interview with Robert Pérez
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Robert. Thank you for joining us today. Your story is both tragic and inspiring. Let’s start from the beginning. You left Cuba in 1989. What prompted your decision to return to your homeland in 2015?
Robert Pérez: Thank you for having me. After spending over two decades in Florida, I felt a deep yearning to reconnect with my roots, my family, and to see how things had changed in Cuba. I believed my experiences abroad could contribute positively to my homeland.
Editor: That’s a noble intention. But upon your return, things took a dramatic turn. Can you tell us about what happened?
Robert Pérez: Yes, it was heartbreaking. I was optimistic at first. I wanted to invest in some local businesses and help the community. However, the Castro regime was still in power, and I quickly found myself caught in a web of laws designed to suppress any dissent or independent business. They charged me with money laundering and tax evasion—charges that were fabricated to justify my imprisonment.
Editor: It sounds immensely frustrating. You said these laws were created “at will” by the dictatorship. Can you elaborate on that?
Robert Pérez: Absolutely. In Cuba, the legal framework is manipulated to serve the regime’s interests. They can easily label any entrepreneurial activity as illegal if it threatens their control. For instance, I was simply trying to operate within what I thought was a freedom, only to find that the rules kept changing beneath me.
Editor: During your 15 years in prison, what kept you going? How did you cope with such a long and unjust incarceration?
Robert Pérez: It was incredibly challenging. But I held onto the belief that I was not completely powerless. I engaged in discussions with fellow inmates about our shared struggles and kept my spirit alive through education and self-reflection. I wrote extensively, documenting my experiences, which I hope to share someday.
Editor: Your resilience is remarkable. Now that you’ve been released, what are your plans moving forward?
Robert Pérez: I aim to advocate for the rights of those still suffering under oppressive regimes. My experiences have given me a unique perspective, and I want to shed light on the injustices faced by many. I plan to write a book and engage with organizations to push for political change in Cuba.
Editor: Your story can resonate with many, Robert. What message do you want to convey to those who may find themselves in similar situations—whether in Cuba or elsewhere?
Robert Pérez: I want people to understand that resilience is key. It’s easy to feel defeated, but we must hold onto hope and fight for justice—no matter the odds. It’s crucial to speak out against oppression, even when it feels like no one is listening because your voice can make a difference.
Editor: Thank you, Robert. Your strength and determination are truly inspiring. We wish you the best in your efforts to bring about change and justice.
Robert Pérez: Thank you for the platform to share my story. It’s through these conversations that we can forge paths toward a better future.