WHEREAS the use of police and judicial mechanisms against independent journalists, content creators, and activists reporting on matters of public interest has intensified, through arrests, summonses, surveillance, movement restrictions, and criminal proceedings
WHEREAS the pretrial detention of journalist Henry Constantín, director of La Hora de Cuba and IAPA’s regional vice president for Cuba on the Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, is particularly serious; he remains imprisoned at Kilo 7 prison on charges of disobedience after a court rejected a habeas corpus petition filed on his behalf
WHEREAS independent journalists continue to face restrictions on leaving the country, while the independent press lacks legal recognition and the state maintains control over the main media outlets, telecommunications, and other activities essential to the production and dissemination of information
WHEREAS Decree 160/2026 reinforces this control by limiting the ability of independent media outlets to obtain formal legal status and keeping journalism, media publishing, news agencies, and broadcasting activities under state control, in a situation further aggravated by power outages and inadequate connectivity
WHEREAS broadly defined criminal offenses continue to be applied in cases involving freedom of expression, while information remains unavailable regarding investigations into or sanctions against those responsible for harassment and repression
WHEREAS the Declaration of Chapultepec states that “no people or society can be free without freedom of expression and of the press” and that its exercise “is not something authorities grant, it is an inalienable right of the people.”
THE 82nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE IAPA RESOLVES
Condemn the harassment, surveillance, arrests, and criminal proceedings targeting journalists, content creators, and citizens for exercising their right to inform and express themselves
Demand the release of Henry Constantín and full respect for his due process rights and the rights of his defense counsel
Demand an end to arbitrary movement restrictions and bans on journalists leaving the country for reasons related to their professional activities or opinions
Urge the authorities to guarantee the legal recognition and operation of independent media outlets and to eliminate laws and practices that restrict the exercise of press freedom
Demand guarantees for documenting and disseminating information of public interest without fear of reprisals, and urge investigations into and sanctions against those responsible for acts of harassment and repression
Reaffirm IAPA’s commitment and solidarity with Cuban journalists and independent media outlets, and with society’s right to freely receive and disseminate information.
