Since last week, young activists in the communist-run Cuba have spoken out to demand freedom of expression on the island. After an initial meeting with the Ministry of Culture, representatives announced that the government had agreed to future talks with protesters. It has since backtracked, blaming the United States for the dissidence in what has become a recurring government tactic during the last decades.
Some years ago, the San Isidro Movement, composed of artists, journalists, academics, and civil society formed on the island to advocate for greater freedom of expression. Along with other dissident groups, members of the San Isidro movement have been called terrorists with links to the United States by the Cuban government. But rare and historic demonstrations in solidarity with the group sparked last Friday as hundreds of young artists and activists gathered outside the Ministry of Culture to protest for their right to freedom of expression after the imprisonment of rapper Denis Solis. Solis was arrested on November 9 and sentenced to eight months in prison for contempt against a police officer after insults were hurled during a dispute.
To protest Solis’ imprisonment, several members of the San Isidro Movement went on a hunger strike last week. On Thursday night, alleging violations to Covid-19 protocols, the Ministry of the Interior broke into the house of one of the movement’s leaders, Otero Alcántara, and arrested a dozen members. Some have been released since, but Alcántara remains under surveillance in a hospital in Havana. The protests broke out in response, receiving global attention and solidarity, including outside the Cuban consulates in Madrid and Mexico City.
The protesters outside the Ministry of Culture sang the national anthem and protested in the name of freedom of expression, “for all citizens, the right to disagree, the right to have rights, to say that things are bad,” and the release of those still withheld. They demanded to speak with the minister. Despite police deployment, power cuts and a social media blockade, they remained outside the Ministry until 30 representatives were allowed inside to speak with Vice Minister Fernando Rojas.
At the end of their meeting, members present reported reaching an agreement that included the government’s commitment to future dialogue on freedom of expression and to review Solis’ case. Michel Matos, who was present at the meeting, called the events “tremendous,” adding that the officials had listened to the representatives’ demands.
The hope for dialogue, however, did not last long. Less than 24 hours after the fact, the Cuban government backtracked on its commitment, labeling the occurred events as a “media show,” a “strategy to try to overthrow the Revolution,” and an example of American meddling in the internal affairs of Cuba. For decades, it has not been uncommon for the Cuban government to dismiss any act of dissidence or internal criticism as plots orchestrated by the United States.
Members of the San Isidro Movement immediately denounced the government’s reneging on its commitment and insisted they remain open to the dialogue that was promised. “We continue to believe that the government has a unique opportunity to dialogue with those who disagree. The government has to listen to its people, to the people who think differently,” Matos said.
Members of President-elect Joe Biden’s administration have sent their support to the San Isidro Movement and the Cuban youth during the protests. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor appointee, tweeted: “We support the Cuban people in their struggle for liberty and echo calls for the Cuban government to release peaceful protestors. The Cuban people must be allowed to exercise the universal right to freedom of expression.”