Today, La Hora de Cuba, an independent journalism outlet based in Camagüey, has been awarded the Civil Rights Defender of the Year 2026 by the Swedish organization Civil Rights Defenders (CRD). This marks the first time that a media outlet from the Americas has received this esteemed recognition.
The CRD honored La Hora de Cuba for its "exceptional resilience and courage in defending freedom of expression, independent journalism, and democracy," as demonstrated over nearly 14 years of journalistic endeavors from within the island.
The award is shared with Netgazeti, an independent digital media outlet from Georgia, established in 2010. Its co-founder, Mzia Amaglobeli, is currently imprisoned for practicing journalism under the country's authoritarian regime.
Recognized as one of Europe's most significant awards in the field of human rights, previous recipients include Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski, who was honored in 2014, eight years before receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Prior to this, the only organization from the Americas to receive the award was the Venezuelan NGO Foro Penal, known for documenting political prisoners, in 2023.
Challenges and Triumphs of La Hora de Cuba
The award ceremony is scheduled for May 18 in Stockholm, Sweden's capital. However, the outlet's director, Henry Constantin, will be unable to attend due to a travel ban imposed by Cuban authorities since 2019.
Constantin has faced persistent repression for his journalistic activities. In January 2026, he was detained three times within two weeks, including a 44-hour period of incommunicado detention and an arrest alongside collaborator Alejandra García.
The media outlet has experienced over 30 detentions of its journalists, nearly 100 summons to collaborators, family members, and contacts, travel bans, home raids, and confiscations of work equipment.
Award Significance and Media Resilience
Upon learning of the award, Constantin remarked, "La Hora de Cuba has received many 'awards' before this one: over 40 arrests, hundreds of police summons and interrogations, thousands of threats, several defamation campaigns, prohibitions on leaving Cuba for years, continuous surveillance, vandalism against my home, physical violence, and police accusations. These are the 'awards' the Cuban regime has given us for sharing the truth for nearly 14 years from within the island."
He further added, "But this is a different award, one that does not seek to silence us, isolate us, or force us to emigrate. On the contrary, it is an award we sincerely appreciate, one that brings us joy and strengthens our resolve to continue sharing freedom and information from deep within the country."
La Hora de Cuba operates entirely within the island, unlike most Cuban independent media which function from exile. From Camagüey, the outlet has covered significant events such as the November 27, 2020 protests, the July 11, 2021 demonstrations, and the severe energy crisis causing over twenty-hour daily blackouts in the city.
Iris Mariño, the outlet's deputy director, also commented on the award: "For me, this prize signifies that fear cannot be an obstacle in your life. Living under dictatorship and being subjected to various acts of psychological, verbal, and even physical violence by the repressive apparatus has not dictated my daily life. Every repressive action I have faced, every obstacle, has only increased my desire for freedom and democracy in Cuba and my commitment to working towards it."
The recognition comes at a politically significant time, as Sweden actively advocates for a review of the European Union's Cooperation Agreement with the Cuban regime, adding a geopolitical dimension to the award.
Henry Constantin has served for nine years as the national representative to the Inter American Press Association's Commission on Press and Information Freedom, contributing annual reports on the state of the press in Cuba.
Insights into La Hora de Cuba's Achievements
What is the significance of La Hora de Cuba receiving this award?
The award highlights La Hora de Cuba's courage and resilience in advocating for freedom of expression and independent journalism in a challenging environment. It is a testament to their commitment to truth and democracy despite facing severe repression.
Why can't Henry Constantin attend the award ceremony?
Henry Constantin is unable to attend the ceremony because Cuban authorities have imposed a travel ban on him since 2019 due to his journalistic activities.
How does this award impact La Hora de Cuba's mission?
The award reinforces La Hora de Cuba's mission by providing international recognition and support, encouraging them to continue their efforts in delivering truthful information and advocating for democratic values within Cuba.