Higher education students from Argentina expressed solidarity with the protest of Cuban university students against the tariff hike.
Cele Fierro, a congresswoman from the International Socialist League of Argentina, extended her full support to Cuban youth “who are facing this digital price hike implemented by the regime,” according to a video circulating on social media.
"From here we say that the adjustment and the privileges of that ruling bureaucracy must come to an end, along with their businesses and the repression against the people," said the young socialist leader.
“Long live the fight of the youth and the Cuban people,” he concluded.
University students from the University of Córdoba also expressed their support for Cuban students in another video shared by the Petición Universitaria Facebook page.
Several officials from the student council of that institution affiliated with the Socialist League stated that the government's price hike "affects the right to information."
"In Cuba, there also needs to be an end to the adjustment affecting the people, the repression of social protests, and the privileges of the ruling bureaucracies and their businesses," they demanded.
Support from Chile
The support from Argentine students joins that of a group of students from the University of Concepción, in Chile, who expressed their support for Cuban university students.
"We know we are far away, but at least, from this corner of the world, those who passed by, read our sign and looked on in astonishment, knew that in Cuba there are students saying no and being brave," wrote the Cuban Dunielys Díaz Hernández on Facebook, alongside students from Mexico and Colombia who posed with a Cuban flag and a sign that read: "Our support for the students in Cuba. You are not alone."
"In that gesture of visibility lies the entire meaning of these seven people with a Cuban flag next to the Campanil. It's our way of telling them that they are not alone, thank you all," concludes the post.
Repression begins
This Sunday, it was reported that threats of imprisonment and expulsion were the response of State Security against students from the Central University “Marta Abreu” of Las Villas (UCLV) who were organizing a university demonstration for Monday.
The report was shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who shared the testimony of a student from that university.
"In my Faculty of Economic Sciences, the State Security has already started to act. They visited three students at their homes, threatened to expel them from the university, and even mentioned imprisonment," the message sent by the student reads.
"One of them was the administrator of the WhatsApp channel 'La voz de todos', which aimed to unite university students and had over 500 followers in just a few hours. A university rally was being organized for Monday, but he was forced to shut down the channel," he specified.
Pentón also shared a screenshot of the WhatsApp group where the threatened student wrote a retraction.
“The young people were threatened in front of their families and forced to write messages in the faculty's WhatsApp group 'repenting' and expressing support for the FEU. All of this was clearly under coercion,” Pentón reported.
The academic strike in Cuba began on June 4 and is spreading across universities throughout the country, with its epicenter at the University of Havana. The response from the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has been clear: There will be no reversal of the tariff increase. This weekend, viral videos circulating on social media of frustrated students confronting officials unable to address their grievances highlight the discontent.
The student movement shaking Cuban universities demands fairer fees and equitable connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the student protest in Cuba against ETECSA's rate increase
Why are Cuban university students protesting?
Cuban university students are protesting against the "rate hike" imposed by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), which has significantly raised internet fees and requires payments in U.S. dollars, leaving those without access to foreign currency disconnected. They demand fairer rates and equitable connectivity.
How has the Cuban government responded to the student protests?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has responded with threats of imprisonment and expulsion to the students organizing protests. Moreover, it has made it clear that there will be no reversal on the increase in fees. The students have faced coercion to retract their actions and show support for the University Student Federation (FEU).
What international support have Cuban students received?
Cuban students have received support from students and public figures from various countries. Students from Argentina, Chile, and other nations have expressed solidarity with Cuban university students. Moreover, international academics, artists, and journalists have signed letters of support and have urged the international community to speak out in defense of Cuban students.
What has been the impact of the new ETECSA rates on Cuban students?
The new rates from ETECSA have had a significant impact on Cuban students, as they limit internet access for those who do not receive remittances from abroad and raise the cost of connectivity to levels that are unattainable for many. This has led to a nationwide student protest movement, demanding more affordable and equitable rates.
Filed under:
