Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has demanded the immediate release of Henry Constantín Ferreiro, the founder and director of the independent digital outlet La Hora de Cuba. He has been held in pre-trial detention at the maximum-security Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey since September 16.
The Cuban regime accuses Constantín of "disobedience" for allegedly failing to appear at a migration summons on September 9, as reported by RSF. Nonetheless, Constantín shared on his Facebook page that he did visit the Vista Hermosa Immigration Office that day, only to find it closed and was told he would be summoned again.
A verbal summons on September 15 required him to appear at a National Police unit the following day. Once there, he was detained and not seen again. Friends and colleagues searched for him across detention centers until locating him at "Villa María Luisa," a notorious State Security operation and interrogation site in Camagüey.
The authorities placed Constantín in pre-trial detention and, without notice, transferred him to Kilo 7 prison on September 24, failing to inform his family. His defense team was denied access to his case files for the first five days, delaying the preparation of an appeal to replace the pre-trial detention with another measure. Meanwhile, a habeas corpus request faced bureaucratic delays at the Camagüey Provincial People's Court.
Constantín's partner, journalist Alejandra García, managed a brief visit at Villa María Luisa, providing him with essential items and medicine. Through her, Constantín conveyed a message of resilience: "I am calm and remain resolute."
According to RSF, this marks at least the 19th time Constantín has been detained due to his journalistic endeavors. His recent arrests include a week-long detention in December 2024, three arrests in January 2026 within two weeks—one involving 44 hours of isolation in Havana—and four days at Villa María Luisa in June 2025 on charges of contempt for reporting on a State Security agent.
Since 2019, a travel ban has prevented him from leaving Cuba, barring him from accepting the "Civil Rights Defender of the Year" award in Stockholm awarded to La Hora de Cuba alongside Georgian outlet Netgazeti this past May.
Cuban intellectual Alina Bárbara López publicly questioned the preventive detention, encapsulating widespread sentiment: "State of terror or terror of the State?"
Organizations like the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH), and Civil Rights Defenders have joined RSF's call for Constantín's release and to highlight procedural violations.
RSF also noted that in September, independent journalist Yunia Figueredo, former director of Amanecer Habanero, was coerced into monthly appearances before authorities under threat of prosecution for "disobedience," exemplifying ongoing harassment of independent journalism in Cuba.
Ranked 160 out of 180 on RSF's press freedom index with a score of 29.22, Cuba continues to suppress journalistic rights. Artur Romeu, head of RSF's Latin America bureau, stated emphatically: "RSF demands that the journalist and his team be allowed to continue their reporting without intimidation or arbitrary restrictions."
Frequently Asked Questions about Press Freedom in Cuba
Why was Henry Constantín arrested?
Henry Constantín was arrested on charges of "disobedience" for allegedly not attending a migration summons, despite his claim of compliance.
What has been the international reaction to Constantín's detention?
Several organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, have called for his immediate release, condemning the Cuban regime's actions and procedural violations.
What is the significance of Henry Constantín's work?
As a prominent journalist in Cuba, Constantín has been a pivotal figure in independent reporting, shedding light on government actions and advocating for press freedom.