Austin Llerandi, at the helm of the community platform Amanecer Habanero, addressed the ultimatum delivered by Cuban State Security, demanding he leave Cuba within two months or face incarceration. In a bold statement, Llerandi, a 36-year-old journalist, revealed the threat on Tuesday, asserting his commitment to exposing human rights abuses and the suppression of journalists and activists.
Rather than announcing plans to leave the country, Llerandi released a video from Havana, vowing to continue his work. "The dictatorship exists, armed and with countless ways to oppress us, but we must not stop our work," he declared firmly, standing in front of the Hotel Nacional.
The journalist explained his decision to delay his public response, citing the need to discuss the situation with his wife. "My wife and I were considering what decision to make in light of these threats, ensuring our work continues," he noted.
Two-Month Deadline: Exile or Jail
Pressure on Llerandi began in mid-July when an agent, known as "Rodrigo," visited his father's home to locate him. The following day, Llerandi endured an hour-long interrogation at Marianao police station, where he was shown a dossier alleging "crimes against State Security."
According to Llerandi's account, the agent concluded the interrogation with a chilling message involving his then-pregnant wife: “If you distribute the bulletin, the next time we speak, kiss your wife’s belly goodbye, because you're going to jail.”
The situation escalated on August 21 when Llerandi responded to another summons at the Marianao station. He was detained for five hours, three of which were spent locked up and isolated, as reported by the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP).
During this session, a captain identified as "Miguel" delivered the ultimatum directly: "You have two months to leave the country. If not, you will be imprisoned. Think about your daughter." A statement from ICLEP on August 24 confirmed that the objective was to prevent Amanecer Habanero bulletins from continuing to "circulate freely on the streets."
Llerandi refused to sign the warning document presented to him.
International Outcry Over Persecution
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) had already highlighted the threats against Llerandi in July, demanding Cuban authorities cease their harassment. “The harassment of journalist Austin Llerandi by State Security agents reflects the Cuban authorities' ongoing campaign to intimidate the press and silence critical information,” said José Zamora, CPJ's Program Director for the Americas.
Amanecer Habanero, part of ICLEP's network, distributes community bulletins across Cuba at no cost. ICLEP reported nearly 2,000 repressive actions against the press in the first half of 2026.
In May, Llerandi also reported being barred from teaching Spanish and Literature after he released a video exposing the decline of his former educational institution in Ciudad Libertad, Havana.
Despite the threat of imprisonment or forced departure, Llerandi remains steadfast in his mission. "We cannot stop working to expose these human rights violations," he emphasized.
ICLEP condemned the ultimatum as an act of forced exile: "Journalism is not a crime. Forcing a journalist to choose between leaving their homeland or facing imprisonment is political persecution, forced exile, and state censorship."
Key Questions on Austin Llerandi's Situation
Who is Austin Llerandi?
Austin Llerandi is the director of Amanecer Habanero, a community media outlet in Cuba committed to documenting human rights violations and repression against journalists and activists.
What ultimatum did State Security give to Austin Llerandi?
Cuban State Security demanded that Austin Llerandi leave the country within two months or face imprisonment, as a measure to stop the distribution of Amanecer Habanero's bulletins.
How has the international community reacted to Llerandi's situation?
Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists have documented the threats against Llerandi and urged Cuban authorities to halt their harassment, viewing it as a campaign to intimidate and silence the press.