Cuban opposition leaders voiced strong disapproval on Tuesday against the potential shutdown of Radio and TV Martí, emphasizing the critical role these platforms play in highlighting human rights abuses in Cuba and shedding light on the plight of political prisoners and activists on the island. Berta Soler, the leader of the Damas de Blanco, issued a statement recalling that in 2003, when internet access was non-existent in Cuba, Radio Martí was the sole source of information about the situation of political prisoners and the activities of the Damas de Blanco.
"The live coverage of the Damas de Blanco leaving church services was broadcast on Radio Martí's Sunday news program. It served as a voice for the Cuban opposition. We were able to unite across provinces thanks to Martí, which spread awareness about the women relatives of the 75 political prisoners in Havana," Soler explained.
She further highlighted that Radio Martí has been a platform for human rights activists in Cuba, allowing them to expose the regime's repression. "There isn't a single human rights activist in Cuba who hasn't been supported by Radio Martí to share their plight," she asserted.
In her message, Soler stressed that shutting down Radio Martí would be akin to silencing the Cuban people on the island and preventing the world from learning about the actions of the Cuban regime. "Radio Martí must not be closed. It needs more coverage and strength so it can be heard across all of Cuba. Its continuation is essential," Soler concluded.
Former Black Spring prisoner Ángel Moya also defended the station, located in South Florida, arguing that those who claim Radio Martí is not heard in Cuba are attempting to impose a false narrative. "The truth is: Radio Martí isn't heard because: 1- For 40 years, the communist regime in Cuba spent millions to jam the signal. 2- For years, no U.S. government invested the necessary millions to boost Radio Martí's power to overcome the interference imposed by the Cuban communist regime," he stated.
Moya added that the station "was heard on Medium Wave until 1998, at least in Matanzas, and on Short Wave, albeit with some interference, continuously." He urged Cubans through a Facebook post not to let it be shut down. "Let's save Radio Martí, because Radio Martí broke through the censorship imposed by the Cuban communist regime," he emphasized.
Following the recent layoffs of all contractors at Radio and TV Martí, due to an order from the Trump administration to implement a massive budget cut at the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), numerous politicians, dissidents, and organizations have reacted to the closure of these media outlets, which are seen as a vital source of information for Cubans both on the island and abroad.
The closure of these platforms has sparked a heated debate regarding their impact and effectiveness. While some defend their role in combating the Cuban regime's censorship, others examine the context surrounding this decision and its consequences for the exile community and opposition in Cuba.
Among those who have responded to the shutdown of Radio and TV Martí is the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF), which urged President Donald Trump via X to restore the necessary funds to ensure these platforms continue operating.
The Trump administration implemented a massive budget cut at the USAGM, following an executive order signed on March 14, 2025, titled "Continuing the Reduction of Federal Bureaucracy." As part of this decision, the USAGM began dismantling non-essential areas and operations, limiting its workforce to the minimum allowed by law. Consequently, a significant number of employees, including those at its affiliates, were placed on administrative leave with pay starting last Saturday, with no clear return date.
The Future of Radio Martí and Its Impact on Cuba
Why is Radio Martí considered important for Cuba?
Radio Martí has been a crucial outlet for sharing information about human rights abuses and supporting opposition movements in Cuba. It provides a platform for activists to voice their experiences and challenges the censorship imposed by the Cuban regime.
What actions have been taken against the shutdown of Radio and TV Martí?
Numerous politicians, dissidents, and organizations have spoken out against the closure, emphasizing the need for these platforms to continue operating as vital sources of information. The Cuban American National Foundation has urged the restoration of funds to keep them active.