The independent platform El Toque has once again come under fire from Cuban state media. This latest attack involves a regime sympathizer accusing the outlet of "undermining the national economy" and labeling it an instrument of "cyberterrorism."
This accusation was made by Henry Omar Pérez, a journalist from the Cuban News Agency (ACN), who is known for his allegiance to the regime. In a Facebook post titled "Of El Toque and Other Demons," Pérez blames the platform for distorting the economic reality of Cuba.
According to Pérez, "El Toque is an act of terrorism, a cyberattack on the Cuban economy, and we fail to see how it affects us all while they manipulate the narrative." He claims that the outlet operates "under the guise of independent journalism" to skew perceptions of the informal exchange rate.
Pérez, who lacks expertise in economics, argues that the rates published daily by El Toque serve as the "gauge of an unconventional economic war," affecting the prices of goods and services directly.
However, Pérez conveniently overlooks in his argument that the suffocating prices in dollar stores, within a dollarized economy, are imposed by the regime itself, not the media.
"El Toque doesn't live here. It doesn't stand in line. It doesn't buy chicken at the price they themselves push. But each time they publish a rate, you feel it in the market, in top-ups, in taxis, in rent, and on your plate," Pérez noted.
Pérez also claimed that the United States uses algorithms and Big Data analysis to disseminate El Toque's content among Cuban users, who are specifically targeted on social media platforms.
"The increase in the dollar's value has a clear political intent," he added, suggesting that "induced inflation" is a strategy previously used against Nicaragua, Argentina, and Venezuela.
The journalist also attacked José Jasán Nieves, the director of El Toque, calling him a "scoundrel" and "saboteur," and accusing him of "destroying the finances of Cubans" while being an "imperialist bootlicker."
Pérez's post is part of a broader campaign by state media and regime spokespeople to discredit El Toque, especially since it has become a key reference for the informal exchange rate in Cuba.
In recent months, regime officials have blamed the platform for the rise in the dollar and growing public discontent amid rampant inflation and a declining standard of living.
Such accusations, however, aim to divert attention from the true cause of the crisis: a system incapable of providing stability and prosperity for its people.
Understanding the Impact of El Toque and Economic Claims
What is El Toque accused of by Cuban state media?
El Toque is accused of cyberterrorism and undermining the national economy by distorting the economic reality of Cuba.
Who is Henry Omar Pérez?
Henry Omar Pérez is a journalist from the Cuban News Agency (ACN) known for his pro-regime stance and has accused El Toque of economic manipulation.
Why does Pérez claim El Toque impacts Cuban economy?
Pérez claims El Toque's published exchange rates act as a gauge for an economic war, influencing the prices of goods and services in Cuba.
How has El Toque been targeted by the Cuban regime?
El Toque has been targeted through a discredit campaign by state media and officials blaming it for economic issues and public discontent.