Cuba's authoritarianism has developed a new level of censorship. The Decree-Law 370, which prohibits freedom of speech on social media is creating new tensions. Cuba is now the lowest-ranked in the Americas for freedom of the press because of this extensive censorship.
The Cuban constitution recognizes the "freedom of thought, belief, and expression" while also later contradicting itself in Article 55: "Freedom of press is a right that is exercised in accordance with the law and to the good of society."
As the media censorship grows so does the penalty for dissent. A violation can earn you a fine of 3000 Cuban pesos plus jail time.
Decree Law 370 is a reaction to the computerization of society. "Cuba adopted Decree Law 370 with the intention to ‘consolidate the use and development of ICT as an instrument for the defence of the Revolution’ (Article 5)." said by European Parliament. It's weaponized against journalists, activists, any citizen who dissents or shows distaste for the government. More than 20 Cubans have been fined CUP 3000 which is 3 times the average pay of a citizen. Decree Law 370 is so vague that there is a lot of room for interpretation by the authorities.
So what happens if you've been detained?
One Cuban journalist, Camila Acosta has had trouble with the police. She has had to move 10 times, buy 3 phones, and been detained 4 times. Acosta claims this harassment is a constant for her and all journalists and activists.
Camila Acosta wearing a mask in protest of decree 370. The mask reads "No Al 370".
On November 27, there was a protest for rapper Denis Solis, who has been sentenced to 8 months in jail for dissidence. The protest was for greater freedom of expression and took place in front of Havana's Ministry of Culture. Since then the government has blocked access to social media including Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, etc.
“Blocking social media sites and messaging apps in order to obstruct coverage of protests has drawn even more attention to those demonstrations, and highlighted the Cuban government’s absolute disdain for freedom of speech,” said CPJ's Central and South America Program Coordinator, Natalie Southwick.
An activist Tania Bruguera was harassed by police officials after the protest. Bruguera's sister, Deborah Bruguera, made this statement...
“Enough! We must use the right definitions: KIDNAPPING,- Tania Bruguera was taken against her will for the third time this week by agents dressed as civilians who did not identify themselves. She and Lynn Cruz were literally walking to the corner; these people arrived running toward her and took her away in a car with the plate P076624.”
Membersthe San Isidro Movement, Bruguera's activist group, had their headquarters raided after pledging a hunger strike for Denis Solis. They too have been detained.
Protest in front of the doors of the Ministry of Culture, in Havana, Cuba, Friday, November 27, 2020.