The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP) has issued an urgent appeal to the global community to pay attention to the plight of independent journalists Yunia Figueredo Cruz and Frank Correa. The couple, who live and work in the Jaimanitas neighborhood of Havana, have been under increasing pressure.
The Cuban Observatory for Freedom of Expression (OCLE) has reported 22 instances of repression against the journalists between April 29, 2025, and September 4, 2026. These incidents include surveillance, travel restrictions, interrogations, arbitrary detentions, threats, confiscations, and targeted disruptions of telecommunications.
Pattern of Repression
ICLEP views these actions as direct retaliation for their independent journalism, particularly their reporting on power outages, garbage accumulation, deteriorating living conditions, and citizen protests in Jaimanitas.
The harassment began in mid-2025. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in June of that year, Figueredo—who directs the independent newsletter Amanecer Habanero—received threatening calls from private numbers warning her of a police investigation for "dangerousness" after she refused to comply with a police summons.
Escalating Intimidation
In July 2025, both journalists were arrested in Havana after rejecting another police summons, and Figueredo was placed under house arrest, unable to leave her home due to political police agents.
By March 2026, Figueredo was detained in Jaimanitas for participating in a protest against power outages. On July 2, both were taken to the 3rd and 110th police unit in Playa, where they were held without communication for over 16 hours, lacking any judicial order.
Pressures Extend to Family
On August 19, Frank Correa was detained while conducting an interview in Jaimanitas, while simultaneously, State Security agents threatened Yunia and her daughter at their home.
According to ICLEP, the most worrisome development is the extension of pressure to the couple's daughter. On September 4, State Security agents visited the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Havana to inquire about Beily Mariam Correa's enrollment. Days later, a local police chief visited Figueredo's home to impose a new precautionary measure, cautioning her about her daughters and their connections to the U.S. Embassy.
Growing Threat to Press Freedom
This case is part of a broader crackdown on independent media in Cuba. In July 2026, ICLEP recorded 272 violations against freedom of expression and the press, marking the most repressive month of the year. That same month, the regime enacted Decree 160/2026, explicitly banning non-state actors from practicing journalism or running news agencies. According to Reporters Without Borders, Cuba ranks 160th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, only ahead of Nicaragua in the Americas.
ICLEP urges media outlets, human rights organizations, international bodies, and democratic governments to acknowledge and disseminate the documented chronology of the 22 repressive episodes, arguing that "international visibility can be an essential form of protection."
Understanding the Harassment of Cuban Journalists
What actions has the Cuban government taken against Yunia Figueredo Cruz and Frank Correa?
The Cuban government has engaged in surveillance, travel restrictions, interrogations, arbitrary detentions, threats, confiscations, and selective telecommunications disruptions against the journalists.
Why are Yunia Figueredo Cruz and Frank Correa targets of harassment?
They are targeted due to their independent journalism, which includes reporting on power outages, garbage issues, declining living conditions, and local protests in Jaimanitas.
How has the repression affected their family?
The repression has extended to their daughter, with security agents investigating her university enrollment and issuing warnings about her family’s connections.