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The Pan American and Oceania Judo Championship, held this weekend in Chile, was not only a platform for sports competition but also the scene of a new episode of Cuban exodus: two athletes left the delegation and sought asylum in the South American country.
According to lawyer Mijail Bonito, in an interview with T13 En Vivo, the athletes, whose names have not been disclosed, are a 27-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man who left the national team's training camp on Sunday afternoon.
"They are fine, very calm," assured Bonito, who will accompany the athletes in the process of applying for political asylum.
The Cuban delegation, according to their statements, returned to Cuba without them.
The reasons behind asylum
The lawyer explained that the judokas' decision is due to the severe conditions that athletes face on the island: "In order to be part of the national teams, they must fulfill a series of obligations that go much beyond the sports aspect," Bonito noted.
He added that, in contrast, Chile represents a country of freedom and democracy for them, an unimaginable scenario in their homeland. In fact, athletes such as wrestler Yasmani Acosta, who won silver in Paris 2024, and weightlifter Arley Méndez have achieved remarkable results in international competitions representing their new country.
The lawyer recalled that in past events, such as the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, 14 Cuban athletes have already sought asylum, most of whom have successfully integrated into Chilean sports teams.
A legal path filled with challenges
Bonito detailed that the asylum application process consists of three stages: admission as an asylum seeker, which grants a renewable temporary residence visa every eight months; investigation, where applicants must prove a well-founded fear of persecution if they return to their country; and final resolution, which can be either the approval or rejection of refugee status.
The lawyer also warned that, after this step, athletes will not be able to return to Cuba due to the sanctions imposed by the regime on those who desert official delegations. To address this, a support network is being organized to help young people start a new life in Chile.
A recurring pattern
This is not an isolated situation. The defection of Cuban athletes at international events has become a constant occurrence. Since 2021, dozens of athletes have defected amid the deep political, economic, and social crisis that the island is undergoing. Beyond sports, these cases reflect the desire to escape a restrictive system that limits not only professional freedoms but also personal ones.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Defection of Cuban Judokas in Chile
Why did the Cuban judokas leave the delegation in Chile?
Cuban judokas left the official delegation during the Pan American and Oceania Judo Championship in Chile due to the harsh conditions athletes face in Cuba. According to lawyer Mijail Bonito, the athletes sought political asylum to escape the control and restrictions of the communist regime on the island.
What does the asylum application process entail for Cuban judokas in Chile?
The asylum application process in Chile consists of three stages: admission as an asylum seeker, which grants a renewable temporary residence visa every eight months; investigation, where they must prove a well-founded fear of persecution if they return to Cuba; and final resolution, which can either be the approval or rejection of refugee status. During this process, athletes will not be able to return to Cuba due to the sanctions imposed by the regime on those who defect.
Is it common for Cuban athletes to defect at international events?
Yes, the defection of Cuban athletes at international events is a recurring phenomenon. Since 2021, many athletes have taken advantage of competitions abroad to escape the political, economic, and social crisis in Cuba. This pattern repeats itself due to the restrictive conditions and lack of opportunities on the island.
What is the impact of these defections on Cuban sports?
The desertion of athletes significantly impacts Cuban sports, reducing the available talent and complicating international representation. Furthermore, it reflects internal tensions and a lack of resources, leading many athletes to seek a better future outside of Cuba.
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