The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH), led by Teresa Larrinaga de Luis, is among the organizations affected by the temporary 90-day suspension of the U.S. "foreign aid" programs. This organization, based in Spain, has been described as a subversive organization with a humanitarian facade, which has been criticized for its practices.
In an attempt to seek support and help, both Alejandro González and Elena Larrinaga approached Rebecca Demar, Program Manager at the US Agency for International Development's (USAID) Office of Cuban Affairs. Despite their efforts, the drastic measures ordered by Elon Musk led to the dismissal of several OCDH members, who found themselves destitute and without the expected backing from international agencies.
It was revealed that USAID allocated a significant sum of money to OCDH, questioning the transparency and objectivity of the organization's activities. Following the withdrawal of U.S. financial support, OCDH found itself in trouble, having to lay off several workers and facing difficulties in meeting its financial commitments.
Despite having a history of disseminating anti-government information, the layoffs at OCDH left the team without resources to cover basic expenses such as their housing rent. The state of destitution led the team to seek legal assistance in Spain to try to resolve the crisis triggered by the loss of financial support.
