Independent journalist and director of La Hora de Cuba, Henry Constantín Ferreiro, has raised serious concerns about his impending transfer to solitary confinement for at least 15 days at the maximum-security Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey. The move comes after prison officials claimed to have discovered a knife among his belongings.
Constantín believes the weapon was deliberately placed in his cell as a pretext for further punishment against him.
Allegations of Planting Evidence
According to La Hora de Cuba, Constantín reported the incident during a phone call made around 10:00 AM on October 15. During a search, prison staff allegedly found a knife in the pocket of one of his items. The weapon appeared to be a hand-crafted tool, similar to those some inmates create within the facility.
Constantín suspects the object was planted the previous night. "They went directly to the exact spot where he supposedly kept the weapon," noted the independent media source.
Implications of the New Sanction
The complaint highlights that Constantín learned an officer named Frank spoke the day before with Nelson, an inmate who occupies the bunk below him.
The disciplinary action was ordered by Major Dany, the head of the penitentiary unit, who initiated a corresponding procedure over the alleged possession of a weapon.
This sanction will also impact Constantín's communication with his loved ones. He will lose the right to family and conjugal visits scheduled for Monday, October 19, as well as his daily authorized phone call.
Background on Constantín's Imprisonment
This latest punishment comes as Constantín nears a month of incarceration. He was arrested on September 16 after responding to a police summons in Camagüey. Authorities accuse him of alleged disobedience for not attending a meeting with the Directorate of Identification, Immigration, and Foreigners on September 9.
However, Constantín claims he did visit the office, but the officials had already left, promising him a new summons.
After his detention, he initially stayed at Villa María Luisa, the State Security operations center in Camagüey, before being transferred to preventative detention.
His defense has faced challenges accessing the judicial file and filed a habeas corpus petition on September 21, which encountered delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
International Outcry for His Release
On October 9, Alejandra García, a journalist and Constantín's partner, reported that State Security agents interrogated her following a visit to Kilo 7. García recounted that the agents tried to intimidate her, with one warning she could choose the "easy or hard way."
The case has sparked international condemnation from press freedom organizations and calls for Constantín's release. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) demanded his immediate release, noting this is at least his nineteenth detention related to his journalistic work.
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA), where Constantín serves as regional vice president for Cuba in the Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, also condemned his imprisonment. Meanwhile, from the United States, the Trump administration called for his release through Juan Pablo Segura, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Cuban writers, journalists, artists, and communicators have joined a campaign demanding his release under the banner "Informar no es delito" ("Reporting is not a crime").
Questions About Henry Constantín's Imprisonment
Why is Henry Constantín facing additional punishment in prison?
Henry Constantín is facing further punishment because prison officials claim they found a knife among his belongings, though he suspects it was deliberately planted to justify the sanction.
What impact will this new sanction have on Constantín?
The new sanction will result in Constantín being placed in solitary confinement for at least 15 days and losing communication privileges with his family, including visits and phone calls.
What international reactions has Constantín's case elicited?
Constantín's case has drawn international condemnation, with organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Inter American Press Association calling for his release, and the Trump administration also demanding his freedom.
How did Constantín end up in jail?
Constantín was arrested on September 16 over an allegation of disobedience for allegedly failing to attend a meeting, although he claims the officials had left when he arrived, and he was promised a new summons.