The Cuban YouTuber Kary Sánchez, along with her partner known for their channel "Kary y Jony," recently exposed an alleged extortion attempt by a woman posing as an inspector during their visit to Viñales in Pinar del Río. In a video shared on social media, Sánchez recounted how this so-called official tried to levy a tax on her, claiming she was acting as a tour guide for a foreign friend.
"We weren't working as tour guides," Sánchez clarified. Nonetheless, the woman insisted they needed an immigration permit to accompany a foreigner around the country, a claim that sparked suspicion and concern among those present. Upon examining the document provided by the supposed inspector, Sánchez realized it only pertained to individuals employed as self-employed tour guides.
"After reading the document, we saw it only applies to people doing self-employed work. In the end, she let us go. Was she trying to extort money from us?" the YouTuber questioned. This incident has raised alarms among social media users, who fear it might be a guise for extortion under the pretense of regulation, especially in an economic climate where many Cubans are forced to seek informal means of income.
Kary Sánchez and her husband have previously gained attention for showcasing the harsh economic realities faced by Cubans. In March, they released a video highlighting the inadequacy of Cuban salaries. "My husband is a law graduate and earns 4,700 Cuban pesos a month, which is roughly $14," she explained. This amount barely covers basic groceries for a month.
The story of this young couple once again highlights the vulnerability of Cuban citizens to exploitative practices by alleged authorities and the contradictions within the Cuban legal system. Instead of safeguarding the populace, it often serves as a tool for repression and social control.
Understanding the Cuban Legal System and Citizen Vulnerability
What was the alleged extortion attempt in Viñales about?
The alleged extortion involved a woman posing as an inspector who attempted to charge a tax, claiming the YouTuber was operating as a tour guide for a foreign friend without a permit.
Why is this incident concerning for Cuban citizens?
The incident is concerning because it suggests the possibility of authorities using their positions for personal gain, exploiting citizens under the guise of regulation, especially in a challenging economic environment.
How have Kary Sánchez and her husband raised awareness about economic issues in Cuba?
They have used their platform to highlight the financial struggles faced by Cubans, including sharing personal experiences about inadequate salaries and the daily challenges of making ends meet.