The Globe and Mail reports that Canadian diplomats who served in Havana from 2016 to 2018 say their children and spouses still suffer unexplained health symptoms linked in recent years to possible attacks by Russian intelligence using sonic or directed-energy weaponry. The reported symptoms include sleep disorders, light sensitivity, depression, anxiety, tinnitus, headaches, visual impairment, dizziness and auditory problems.
Ten diplomats and their families are suing the Canadian government, alleging that Ottawa denied them leading-edge health care and downplayed what they endured. Global Affairs Canada says returning families were connected with specialist physicians and supported through the compensation process, while a 2024 GAC report attributed the symptoms to pre-existing medical conditions, environmental factors and conventional illnesses. The same article also carries the view of John Bolton, who was U.S. National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019, that possible Canadian intelligence activity in Havana could have made them interesting to Russian and Cuban actors, while noting that Global Affairs denies Canadian diplomats were involved in espionage.
"We have no idea what the impact of a pulsed microwave weapon could have on the young developing brain and inner ears of our children"
"Both developed ADHD symptoms during the last year of our posting"
"The government doesn’t care about them. They have left them out to dry. It’s absolutely gross"
"Employees have also received GAC’s support throughout the legislated compensation process"
"it could be that they [Canadians] were involved in espionage and that made them particularly interesting to the Russians and the Cubans, too."
Location
📍 Canada, Cuba
