The provincial prosecutor of Holguín, Yamisel Hernández Rodríguez, has publicly justified the provisional detention of young activists Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez, who are linked to the independent digital platform El4tico.
In a video posted on the official Facebook page of the Holguín Provincial Prosecutor's Office, Hernández Rodríguez asserted that the institution is overseeing a criminal investigation into charges of "propaganda against the constitutional order and incitement to commit offenses," following publications from the digital platform.
She declared that El4tico has spread content that urges citizens, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, to challenge the constitutional structure of the Republic of Cuba. Additionally, she claimed that the platform has defamed the actions of the country's political and social institutions.
Hernández Rodríguez detailed that, under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law, the Prosecutor’s Office has enforced a provisional detention order for the accused. She mentioned that investigative procedures are being conducted to gather evidence and conclude the investigations.
Furthermore, she emphasized that within the framework of the rights and guarantees enshrined in the Constitution and laws, the Prosecutor’s Office will ensure due process is followed. Upon the conclusion of investigations, appropriate legal actions will be taken. She also highlighted that the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic will continue to act in accordance with its constitutional mandate, upholding legality in defense of the people and the nation's institutions.
Earlier this Thursday, the Provincial Prosecutor's Office confirmed in an official statement on social media that both young men would remain in provisional detention as the investigation progresses.
Medina and Zayas Pérez were apprehended on February 6 during a dawn raid in Holguín. On February 9, the Provincial People’s Court accepted a habeas corpus petition on their behalf, a rare occurrence in Cuba's judicial system.
The hearing, held on February 12, was marked by heavy police presence around the courthouse, including uniformed officers and plainclothes State Security personnel. There were also reports of power and internet outages in the area.
The case has garnered attention both domestically and internationally, sparking expressions of support for the young activists on social media, where users have called for transparency in the legal process and respect for judicial guarantees.
Key Questions on the El4tico Case
What are the charges against the young activists from El4tico?
They are charged with propaganda against the constitutional order and incitement to commit offenses, based on content published from their digital platform.
What legal actions have been taken regarding their detention?
A provisional detention order has been issued, and a habeas corpus petition was accepted by the Provincial People’s Court, although they remain in detention.
How has the international community reacted to this case?
The case has attracted significant international attention, with calls for transparency and respect for judicial guarantees from social media users globally.