Cuba

WHEREAS In Cuba, after 51 years, government restrictions on freedom of the press, the right to free expression, and citizen access to uncensored information continue unabated, along with state control of the mass media, both print and electronic; WHEREAS Twenty-seven journalists are incarcerated with sentences that vary from one to 28 years of prison, and that several of them have severe health problems without humanitarian leave; WHEREAS Journalist Guillermo Fariñas, of the independent news agency Cubana Press, began a hunger strike on February 24 to protest the death under similar circumstances of political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo, and to demand the release of 26 political prisoners, including several independent journalists who are ill; WHEREAS In spite of repressive actions against them, including harassment, physical blows, temporary detentions, threats of arrest, confiscation of equipment, and restrictions on movements and on covering public events, some 300 independent journalists exist on the island. WHEREAS Internet access continues to be restricted for the Cuban public, and although the government continues its efforts to block digital signals, Cuba has seen an expansion of its cyberspace with more than 200 blogs on the island. WHEREAS Government control of foreign correspondents is strict and requires that journalists avoid covering sensitive issues in order to guarantee their accreditation and renewal of their credentials, and to avoid expulsion from the country. WHEREAS The first principle of the Declaration of Chapultepec states: “No people or society can be free without freedom of expression and of the press. The exercise of this freedom is not something authorities grant; it is an inalienable right of the people.” WHEREAS The fourth principle of the Declaration of Chapultepec states: “Freedom of expression and of the press are severely limited by murder, terrorism, kidnapping, intimidation, the unjust imprisonment of journalists, the destruction of facilities, violence of any kind and impunity for perpetrators. Such acts must be investigated promptly and punished harshly.” THE MID YEAR MEETING OF THE IAPA RESOLVES: To reiterate and demand the unconditional release of incarcerated journalists, especially those who are in a delicate state of health, and governmental respect for the work of independent communicators on the island; To demand suspension of repressive acts against independent journalists and bloggers; To condemn government control over the Internet and the deliberate blockage of independent digital signals; To call on Cuban authorities for respectful treatment of foreign correspondents who carry on their work on the island.