A young Cuban was reportedly assaulted by law enforcement officers after he demonstrated against the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) due to recent restrictions on national top-ups and increasing dollarization of their services. Ramón Escalona Labrada, known on Facebook as "El opositor de Satanás," shared that last Tuesday, while peacefully protesting in El Curita Park in Centro Havana, he was detained by the sector police chief and another officer who took him to the local station.
Upon arrival, according to Escalona, a high-ranking officer led him to a cell where he began to beat him. After a pause in the assault, the activist mentioned the officer's badge number, 06650, which prompted further violence. He described being moved to a "more isolated and dark" space where the assault intensified.
"He began to hit me more, threatening to gouge my eyes out as he pressed his fingers into them. He threw me to the ground, pinned me, and instructed another officer to bring water to drown me. The officer complied, pouring water into my mouth. Later, they moved me to a dark room, ordered me to kneel facing the wall, and not to move. I remained in that position for a long time until the officer who brought the water took me back to the holding cell," Escalona recounted.
Following this ordeal, Escalona was interrogated by a State Security officer and accused of inciting criminal activity by encouraging others to protest against ETECSA. However, Escalona argued that since Cuba lacks a formal law governing demonstrations, "what is not regulated cannot be penalized, rendering the charge of incitement to crime null and void."
In a statement shared on social media, Escalona plans to denounce the aggression from the authorities, supported by evidence such as a medical report documenting the injuries from the beatings. The social unrest across the country has grown due to the restrictions limiting top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP over 30 days, and the increasing dollarization of services, effectively excluding those who only have access to Cuban pesos.
Despite the regime's attempts to discredit popular dissent, Cubans continue to demand fair pricing and equitable internet access.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Policies and Protests in Cuba
What are the recent changes in ETECSA's services?
ETECSA has imposed restrictions on national top-ups, limiting them to 360 CUP over a 30-day period, and increased the dollarization of their services, making it difficult for those with only Cuban pesos to access services.
How are Cubans reacting to these changes?
There is widespread social discontent, and many Cubans are protesting to demand fair pricing and equitable access to internet services.
What legal challenges do protesters face in Cuba?
Protesters face accusations such as incitement to crime, although there is no formal law governing demonstrations in Cuba, making such charges legally questionable.