Independent journalist Henry Constantín, who serves as the director of the digital outlet La Hora de Cuba, remains detained at the El Vivac detention center located in Havana's Arroyo Naranjo municipality. He was arrested on December 19th.
In a phone call to the newsroom of the independent outlet, Constantín shared that prison authorities refused to transfer him to his home in Camagüey on the morning of Wednesday, December 25th. According to his account, the bus responsible for transporting detainees to other provinces departed without him, despite prior assurances that he would be returned to Camagüey as soon as fuel was available.
Constantín's arrest followed an alleged breach of a legal restriction preventing him from staying in the Cuban capital. This measure, imposed by the Cuban regime, is part of the broader limitations that the journalist faces due to his involvement in independent journalism.
On December 23rd, the team at La Hora de Cuba filed a Habeas Corpus petition with the Havana Provincial Court, arguing that his detention is both illegal and arbitrary.
As the regional vice president for Cuba of the Inter American Press Association's Press Freedom Commission, Constantín's situation is exacerbated by the Cuban regime's repression. He was detained on December 19th, just a day before the "March of the Fighting People" called by ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel.
According to La Hora de Cuba, State Security agents intercepted him outside a building. Before his arrest, the journalist managed to recount that the agents, including one who had been involved in a prior detention in September 2023, approached him under the guise of wanting to "talk."
Since then, Constantín has experienced periods of isolation. His case exemplifies the systematic harassment faced by independent journalists in Cuba. Throughout his career, he has endured arbitrary detentions, equipment seizures, and travel restrictions due to his dedication to shedding light on social and political issues often censored by official media.
His detention comes amid an escalating crackdown on dissenting voices in Cuba, as the nation grapples with prolonged power outages and an unprecedented fuel crisis.
Understanding the Repression of Independent Journalism in Cuba
What led to Henry Constantín's arrest?
Henry Constantín was arrested following an alleged violation of a legal restriction that prevents him from staying in Havana, imposed by the Cuban regime due to his work as an independent journalist.
How has Henry Constantín's work been affected by the Cuban regime?
Throughout his career, Constantín has faced arbitrary detentions, confiscation of equipment, and movement restrictions as a result of his commitment to reporting on social and political issues often censored by official media.
Why is Henry Constantín's role significant in the context of press freedom?
As the regional vice president for Cuba of the Inter American Press Association's Press Freedom Commission, Constantín's arrest highlights the Cuban regime's ongoing repression against independent journalism.