The Cuban doctor, Adrián Pupo Ojeda, recounted the terrible experience he experienced during his migratory journey to the United States, when he was kidnapped in Tapachula, Mexico.
After being released last Saturday, he told Martí Noticias about the moments of anguish and fear he experienced while under the control of his kidnappers.
RELATED: Cuban doctor kidnapped in Mexico released
Pupo, 28 years old and originally from Puerto Padre, Las Tunas, left his job as a doctor in Cuba in the hope of offering a better life for his family.
However, his dream of a brighter future was momentarily shattered when he was captured by criminals.
The Cuban doctor said that, during his captivity, he was locked in a room and was constantly threatened. “I thought I could lose my life at any moment, that I was not going to see my family or the sunlight.”he shared with the aforementioned medium.
As will be remembered, the kidnappers, in addition to keeping him captive, contacted his family in Cuba through video calls, demanding money in exchange for his release.
“It was a very, very hard experience… one never prepares for such a dangerous situation”he confessed, still affected by that terrifying experience.
In that sense, the doctor made a strong call to other migrants not to repeat their risky journey. “I don’t recommend it to anyone… that they do their research well and look for the best option to avoid going through this hard thing,” he advised.
Pupo, fearing possible retaliation, hopes to leave Mexico as soon as possible to continue his journey to the United States and finally find the security he longs for himself and his family.
Although it is true that during the journey there are dangerous areas such as the Darién Gap, between Colombia and Panama, the Río Bravo itself, the passages through the different borders, the truth is that staying in Mexico while waiting also represents a great risk. .
Editorial of Cubans around the World
How does resilience play a role in overcoming traumatic experiences, as illustrated by Dr. Pupo’s kidnapping ordeal?
Interview: The Journey of Resilience – A Conversation with Dr. Adrián Pupo Ojeda
Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. This is [Editor’s Name], the editor at Time.news. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Adrián Pupo Ojeda, a Cuban doctor who recently endured a harrowing kidnapping during his journey to the United States. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Pupo.
Dr. Pupo: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share my story, hoping it sheds light on the struggles many face during migration.
Editor: First, let’s delve into your experience. You were in Tapachula, Mexico, when you were kidnapped. Can you tell us what led to that moment?
Dr. Pupo: Certainly. I had left my job in Cuba, driven by the desire to seek a better future not only for myself but for my family. The journey to the United States wasn’t easy, and arriving in Mexico, I thought I would be safe, but that quickly changed.
Editor: The transition from leaving your job as a doctor to facing such danger must have been traumatic. What were some of the immediate thoughts and feelings you experienced when you realized you were kidnapped?
Dr. Pupo: It was sheer panic. I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and fear. Being held against my will, I thought of my family back home and wondered if I would ever see them again. It was a nightmare.
Editor: You mentioned that you experienced moments of anguish and fear while in captivity. Could you elaborate on some specific instances that stand out to you?
Dr. Pupo: One moment that remains etched in my mind is when I was blindfolded and moved to an unknown location. The uncertainty about my fate was terrifying. I heard my kidnappers discussing demands, and that despair was crippling. Every minute felt like an eternity.
Editor: How did you cope with the intense pressure and fear during that time?
Dr. Pupo: I had to focus on survival. I often thought of my patients back in Cuba—their struggles kept me anchored. I also engaged in mental exercises, imagining the day I would be free, which provided me with some hope amidst the darkness.
Editor: You were released last Saturday. Can you describe the moment you regained your freedom?
Dr. Pupo: It was surreal. I felt a mix of disbelief and relief when they finally let me go. The gratitude for just being able to breathe fresh air and see the sky again was overwhelming. I immediately thought of my family and how I would reunite with them.
Editor: Since your ordeal, what message or reflection would you like to share with others who may be considering a similar journey?
Dr. Pupo: I would urge them to weigh their options carefully. While the desire for a better life is powerful, the journey can be incredibly dangerous. Seeking legal avenues and assistance is crucial. Moreover, I want to emphasize resilience; despite the darkest moments, there’s always a possibility for hope and a better tomorrow.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Dr. Pupo. Your courage inspires many, and we appreciate your willingness to speak on such a sensitive topic.
Dr. Pupo: Thank you for allowing me to share my experience. I hope it serves to inform and promote greater understanding of the migration crisis many face.
Editor: It certainly will. For our audience, stay tuned for more insightful discussions on the challenges facing migrants and the human stories behind the headlines. Thank you for listening.