Cuba
Wednesday 20.4.2022 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Cuba: prosecutions against protesters continue; more restrictions are proposed in Penal Code reform
In January 2022, Cuba’s Supreme Tribunal proposed a bill modifying several articles of the Penal Code, in a broad reform set to be discussed by legislators in April 2022. Article 143 of the reform sparked concern by human rights groups, who highlighted that the draft uses vague language to criminalise any individual or organisation who “supports, encourages, finances, provides, receives or holds funds, material or financial resources, for the purpose of funding activities against the State and its constitutional order.” Read more | Read in Spanish
Tuesday 15.2.2022 Cuba - Latest Developments -
At least 790 people prosecuted and 172 already convicted for protesting in Cuba
On 25th January 2022, Cuba’s Attorney General confirmed that 790 people faced prosecution for participating in protests on 11th and 12th July 2021 (11J). It was the first time that authorities had published official information on the number of detainees involved in the protests. Read more | Read in Spanish
Friday 17.12.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Cuban authorities prevent pro-democracy marches
On 14th November 2021, Cuban security forces surrounded the home of playwright Yunior García, who had called for nationwide pro-democracy protests, to prevent him from demonstrating. Read more | Read in Spanish
Tuesday 26.10.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Peaceful march prohibited by Cuban authorities while its supporters face harassment
In September 2021, activist group Archipiélago announced they would organise a peaceful “Marcha Cívica por el Cambio” (“Civic March for Change”) in Havana, initially scheduled for 20th November 2021. Read more | Read in Spanish
Wednesday 25.8.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Cuba: New legislation enables further control over online content, restricting freedom of expression
Cuban and international civil society organisations reiterated their concern over increased repression in the country one month after the anti-government demonstrations of 11th July 2021 (11J). In addition, on 17th August 2021, Cuba’s official diary Gaceta Oficial published the Decree-Law 35/2021 on Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technologies, and the Use of the Radio Spectrum. Read more | Read in Spanish
Thursday 29.7.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Fear and self-censorship in Cuba following mass anti-government protests
After anti-government protests flared up across Cuba on 11th July 2021, rights group Cubalex reported that over 500 people had been detained or were reported missing in the context of the demonstrations. Read more | Read in Spanish
Thursday 15.7.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Widespread anti-government protests across Cuba
On 11th July 2021, thousands of people joined spontaneous anti-government protests in at least 20 cities across Cuba. News outlets reported that these were the largest demonstrations seen in the country in decades. Read more | Read in Spanish
Monday 17.5.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Hospitalisation of artist on hunger strike and increased repression of activists in Cuba
At the end of April 2021, artist and human rights defender Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara started a hunger strike in protest against continued harassment against him and members of Movimiento San Isidro (MSI). Read more
Thursday 11.3.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Cuba reacts swiftly to popular song criticising revolution
In February 2021, a song criticising Cuba’s situation went viral on social media and elicited a strong reaction from the government. “Patria y Vida” by Cuban artists Yotuel Romero, Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona, Maykel Osorbo and El Funky touches on socio-political issues in the country, with lyrics condemning the Cuban revolution and government. Read more | Read in Spanish
Friday 15.1.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Cuban government backtracks on talks with protesters and uses COVID-19 regulations to harass critics
As previously reported on the CIVICUS Monitor, in November 2020 the arrest of musician Denis Solís González led artists and activists with Movimiento San Isidro to mobilise for his release. On 26th November 2020, the Cuban authorities raided the movement’s headquarters and detained 14 activists who had been on hunger strike for several days. Read more | Read in Spanish
