Shortly after the press credentials of five journalists belonging to Spanish news agency EFE were revoked Saturday in light of anti-government protests planned just two days later, Cuban authorities reinstated the credentials of two of them, according to the agency.
Five members of EFE’s seven-member team in Havana—three reporters, a photographer, and a cameraperson—were urgently summoned Saturday and told to cease work. The revocation came a day ahead of a pro-democracy march planned in the capital by civil society group Archipiélago. The International Press Institute strongly condemned the move and called for the reinstatement of the permits, noting that the move was a “blatant attempt to restrict independent coverage of events on the island” at a time of political turmoil when accurate news is vital.
The protests, dubbed the “Civic March for Change,” are to follow those on July 11 when thousands of Cubans took to the streets, dissatisfied by the government’s handling of the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the curtailment of civil liberties. Human Rights Watch alleged the July 11 protests were marked by another wave of repression, where hundreds of peaceful protesters were arrested, subjected to horrific abuses, and prosecuted without due process.
Following pressure from Spain and international bodies like the European External Action Service, the EU’s diplomatic service, Cuban authorities returned the permits of two journalists Sunday. However, EFE President Gabriela Cañas stated this was “insufficient” to uphold press freedoms. Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs vowed to continue pressurizing Cuba until all permits were reinstated.
In her statement, Cañas noted that EFE is a public body funded by Spain and commercial activity. She dismissed allegations by Cuban authorities that the agency was working on behalf of foreign powers. Cuba claimed the protests are fueled by the US and declared them illegal, making protesters liable for prosecution—a move Amnesty International termed “yet another example of intolerance.” Cuba based its decision on articles 45 and 56 of the Constitution which place restrictions related to public order on the right to demonstrate.
With most dissidents behind bars since July, unorganized protest attempts by small groups Monday—the same day pandemic restrictions on schools and tourism were lifted in Cuba—were swiftly thwarted by authorities and government supporters. While leaders of the protest were disallowed by uniformed and plain-clothed officers to leave their homes, they were joined by several others in posting pro-democracy videos on social media.
