Fernando Almeyda Rodríguez graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Havana in 2016 and was immediately appointed as Juridical Chancellor at the Legal Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Cuba (2016–2018).
Starting in 2020, he actively promoted human rights and fought arbitrary detentions—activities that are criminalized in Cuba. As a result, he faced harassment and prosecution by the authorities. Despite these challenges, he persisted in his efforts, participating in several demonstrations, with particular recognition for his involvement in the 27N, 11J, and 15N protests. Due to his human rights activities, Mr. Almeyda was forced to flee Cuba in February 2022. He sought refuge in Serbia, where he was granted asylum in 2023.
Mr. Almeyda has collaborated with several notable NGOs, including Prisoners Defenders (2022–2024) and the Observatory of Academic Freedom (2022–2023), focusing on the fight against arbitrary detentions and the promotion of fundamental rights in Cuba. Upon his arrival in Serbia, he began advocating for the rights and integration of refugees. He has worked with the Center for Research and Social Development IDEAS since 2022.
Currently, Mr. Almeyda is pursuing a Master’s degree in European Integration at the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade.