By Circles Robinson
HAVANA TIMES – Dictators like Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and his cronies Daniel Ortega (Nicaragua) and Miguel Díaz Canel (Cuba) can insult, slander and denigrate any dissenting voice, and are assured of thunderous applause and biased reporting in their state-censored media. Unfortunately, they are not alone in the world.
These rulers today also make it clear with “laws” that criticizing them or their highest military and civilian officials is a serious crime, considered treason or terrorism, or both. Self-proclaimed lifelong “revolutionaries” have the right to attack, but cannot be criticized or, worse, ridiculed. They take themselves very seriously.
Artists living in dictatorships often express their views in subtle ways. Yesterday was a prime example of constructive criticism that was turned into a crime by the dictatorship.
A dangerous wooden tank angers Maduro’s officials
Young artist Mabel Melendez built a wooden tank that was seen at the opposition march in Carabobo, Venezuela.
The artwork caught the attention of participants in the large opposition rally on Saturday, August 17, in the central region, as part of the nationwide and worldwide protests against Maduro’s theft of the July 28th Choice.
The structure, made entirely of wood, carried several messages that moved the crowd: forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, dignity, security, willpower and wisdom. On the front were three words: peace, courage and light.
The artist’s arrest was confirmed by Carabobo lawyer Nikoll Arteaga via social media. Relatives of the young woman reported that the police waited until she was alone to kidnap her.
It is nothing new that those who violently suppress peaceful protests accuse the protesters of being terrorists. And, God forbid, if they add a little humor and art to the mix.
You can find more diary entries here on Havana Times.
