The Cuban government's crackdown continues to stretch into the nation's youthful and creative circles. This time, the targets are two urban artists: Carlos Alejandro Campos Cruz, aged 20, and Ernesto de Jesús González Fleitas, who is not yet 18. Both were summoned by State Security, subjected to questioning, and threatened after they released a trap song harshly criticizing the recent tariff increases by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA).
The song, which quickly gained traction on social media, echoes the public's outrage over the financial burden imposed by ETECSA's new pricing structure. In their lyrics, the young artists highlight the exorbitant cost of internet access, mock the high prices of data packages, and criticize the requirement for payments in dollars or through foreign recharges.
"I trade my house for a data package / And an hour on Nauta Hogar for this pair of shoes," reads one line from their viral track 'ETECSA HOODTRAP,' resonating with Cuban youth and social media users. Following the song's release, the two young men were detained and treated as criminals simply for voicing their opinions, reported journalist Mario J. Pentón in a live broadcast.
According to anonymous neighbors fearing repercussions, State Security agents violently arrested the artists and took them to a police station where they were interrogated and threatened. In an explicit attempt to intimidate and silence them, they were warned they would be held accountable for any incidents involving the state company.
This incident is not isolated. It arises amid growing public discontent over ETECSA's price hike, which has faced heavy criticism from users both within and outside Cuba. Since its implementation, various civil society groups have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new rates. Academics, activists, artists, and even university collectives have voiced their objections.
The Federation of University Students (FEU) from the University of Havana's Faculty of Psychology issued an unusual statement condemning the measure as "exclusive and elitist." The outcry has even prompted a response from the authorities. ETECSA's president defended the increase with a justification that further fueled user anger, claiming there is an "external market" interested in maintaining communication with family in Cuba.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications stated that public opinions are being "considered," yet no specific actions to reverse the price hike have been offered.
The threats against Campos Cruz and González Fleitas underscore a systematic pattern of repression against artistic and youthful dissent. This is not the first instance of the Cuban regime attempting to stifle criticism through police harassment. In recent years, numerous independent artists and creators have faced arbitrary arrests, illegal summonses, and defamation campaigns by state media.
In this environment, social media and the free press in exile have become crucial platforms for exposing these injustices. The plight of these young artists has sparked a wave of solidarity among users, exiled artists, and human rights organizations, all demanding an immediate end to police harassment and the protection of free speech rights.
As Pentón noted, the Cuban dictatorship fears not foreign weapons but the courageous youth who dare to speak the truth. With a song recorded from the depths of scarcity, Carlos and Ernesto have highlighted the contradictions of a system that demands sacrifices from a people living amid blackouts, hunger, and censorship.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Price Hike and Repression
Why were the young artists targeted by the Cuban regime?
The young artists were targeted because they released a trap song that criticized the recent tariff increases by ETECSA, resonating with the public's frustration over economic exploitation.
What was the public's reaction to the ETECSA price increase?
The public's reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with various civil society groups, including academics and students, expressing their dissatisfaction and criticizing the move as elitist.
What role do social media and exiled press play in this context?
Social media and the exiled press serve as crucial platforms for exposing the Cuban regime's repression and amplifying the voices of those affected, offering a space for solidarity and resistance.