The Medical Sciences Faculty in Bayamo removed a Facebook post that attempted to downplay student protests after students claimed that the content did not accurately represent what transpired during a meeting called by academic authorities. Journalist José Raúl Gallego reported that students expressed dissatisfaction not only with the internet price hike imposed by ETECSA, but also with poor food quality, irregular water access, and safety issues in the university environment.
Atmosphere of Intimidation
More concerning was the environment of harassment during the meeting, allegedly convened by direct orders from State Security. Sources close to the students reported that several young attendees received calls from private numbers aimed at intimidating them and discouraging their protests.
Following the meeting, DSE agents began contacting students and their families, summoning them to the 3rd Police Station to pressure them into signing retraction letters regarding previously released statements. Amidst this tension, some students have requested written assurances of their safety from university authorities. According to Gallego, all of this is happening with the knowledge of the academic staff.
Breaking the Silence
The journalist urged students facing pressure to speak out: “Do not remain silent. Speak up, with names and details. Keeping you isolated and quiet is the regime's strategy to dismantle any form of protest and punish you for your courage. The wrongdoers here are them.”
This incident in Bayamo adds to recent reports on the use of repressive measures to control university dissent, especially amid the student strike and widespread opposition to ETECSA's price increase.
Understanding the Situation in Bayamo
What issues did Bayamo students protest against?
Students protested against the increase in internet prices by ETECSA, poor food quality, irregular water access, and safety concerns on campus.
How did State Security allegedly respond to the student protests?
State Security allegedly organized the meeting to intimidate students, with reports of students receiving calls from private numbers to discourage their protests, and subsequent pressure to sign retraction letters at the police station.