A woman from Cuba, identified as Agneris Calvo Cruz, recently expressed her disappointment in a 32-second Facebook video posted on Saturday. She lamented that the Cuban community has seemingly ceased demanding the release of the independent audiovisual project creators from El4tico, who have been imprisoned for over three months in Holguín.
"Ernesto and Camil have now been detained for three months. The creators of El4tico. What happened? Why is nobody speaking up anymore? Why are there no more posts? Have they been forgotten? That's the issue we Cubans face. We forget about our heroes, our true heroes," she stated, visibly upset.
Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez were apprehended on February 6 in Holguín by State Security agents. The operation, conducted between six and seven in the morning, involved raids on their homes, resulting in the seizure of computers, phones, cameras, tripods, routers, and other production equipment.
The duo was taken to the Holguín Penal Instruction Center, infamously known as "Everyone Sings," a facility frequently denounced for torture, harsh interrogations, and degrading treatment.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Holguín has charged them with "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "incitement to commit crimes," offenses that carry sentences of up to eight years in prison.
On February 13, the Provincial Court of Holguín extended their provisional detention. Prosecutor Yamisel Hernández claimed their videos "incite the public, the FAR, and the MININT to alter the constitutional order."
After 72 days of confinement, Ernesto refused to record a "repentance" video demanded by State Security, while Kamil penned a handwritten letter from prison on April 17, stating: "They take us to the dungeon for speaking the truth."
Community and International Response
An activist filed a habeas corpus petition for the youths' detention, which was accepted by the Provincial Court of Holguín but ultimately dismissed without favorable outcomes.
Doris Santiesteban Batista, Ernesto's wife and mother to their nearly four-year-old daughter Emma, has consistently posted on social media advocating for her husband's release.
Amnesty International documented the case in April 2026, calling for an end to the crackdown on the two content creators.
The concerns raised by Agneris Calvo Cruz reflect a common fear within the Cuban community: that political prisoners are gradually forgotten as new crises, such as widespread power outages, dominate public attention.
She concluded her message with a direct appeal: "React, please. Our El4tico creators are still there. Let's do something for them. Freedom for them."
To date, there are no reports of trials or the release of either of the young men, whose situation can be explored in the complete El4tico file. Cuba continues to hold over 700 political prisoners, according to human rights organizations, with Justicia11J documenting 775, including 338 sentenced for the July 11, 2021, protests.
In-depth Questions on El4tico Case
Who are Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez?
Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez are the creators of the independent audiovisual project El4tico. They were detained by Cuban authorities for charges related to propaganda against the constitutional order.
What are the charges against the El4tico creators?
They face charges of "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "incitement to commit crimes," which could result in prison sentences of up to eight years.
How has the Cuban community reacted to their detention?
Initially, there was significant outcry, but over time, the focus has waned. Individuals like Agneris Calvo Cruz have called for renewed attention and action for their release.