In a disturbing development, students at the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas (UCLV) faced threats of imprisonment and expulsion from Cuban State Security as they attempted to organize a university strike scheduled for Monday. This alarming situation was reported by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who shared the testimony of a student from the university.
"In my Faculty of Economic Sciences, State Security has already started to intervene. They visited three students at their homes, threatening them with expulsion from the university and even jail time," the student recounted in a message. "One of these students was managing a WhatsApp channel called 'The Voice of All,' aiming to unite university students, which had gained over 500 followers in just a few hours. They were planning a university strike for Monday, but he was forced to shut down the channel," the student explained.
Pentón also shared a screenshot from the WhatsApp group where the threatened student posted a forced retraction. "These young individuals were threatened in front of their families and coerced into writing messages in the faculty's WhatsApp group, 'repenting' and expressing support for the Federation of University Students (FEU). Clearly, this was done under duress," Pentón reported.
Last Wednesday, students from UCLV announced their participation in an academic strike that had originated at other Cuban universities, protesting against the restrictions imposed by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), which they describe as discriminatory and exclusive.
In their statement, UCLV students called for a massive absence from academic activities until a socially accessible rate is approved for the entire population, and the current benefits are extended to researchers, educators, and professionals who rely on internet access for their work.
Meanwhile, the administration of Central University "Marta Abreu" used its social media platforms to project an image of normalcy in their academic activities. "It's Wednesday, and the hustle and bustle of student life marks the week at UCLV. Students are preparing for exams, conducting impactful tasks, and engaging in scientific projects. Behind every challenge lies a great reward," they stated.
The academic strike in Cuba began on June 4 and has spread across universities throughout the country, with its focal point at the University of Havana. The response from the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel has been resolute: there will be no reversal of the tariff increases.
Over the weekend, viral videos circulated online showing frustrated students confronting officials who seem unable to address their grievances, highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction. The student movement shaking Cuban universities demands fairer tariffs and equitable connectivity.
Key Questions on Cuban Student Protest and State Response
What prompted the student protest at Las Villas University?
Students at Las Villas University organized the protest in response to restrictions imposed by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), which they consider discriminatory and exclusive.
How did the Cuban State Security respond to the students' actions?
State Security threatened students with expulsion and imprisonment, visited them at their homes, and coerced them into publicly retracting their protest plans.
What are the students demanding from the Cuban government?
The students are demanding a socially accessible rate for internet access and the extension of internet benefits to researchers, educators, and professionals.