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On the morning of Thursday, December 26, the Cuban regime released independent journalist Henry Constantín, who had been arbitrarily detained at the El Vivac detention center in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality of the capital.
Constantín, director of the digital outlet La Hora de Cuba and regional vice president for Cuba of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), was released without having been taken to the scheduled oral hearing at the Provincial Court of Havana, in response to a habeas corpus petition.
The information was confirmed by the journalist himself, who made a phone call from outside El Vivac after regaining his freedom.
Constantín was arrested on December 19 by two State Security agents on the charge of violating an alleged legal restriction that limited his stay in Havana, according to a report from the very outlet he directs.
Despite being scheduled to appear at a hearing this Thursday at 9:00 AM in the Provincial Court of Havana, in response to a Habeas Corpus petition filed on Monday, December 23, he was not brought to court.
The prison authorities had previously denied his transfer to Camagüey. In the days prior, La Hora de Cuba reported that the bus responsible for transporting detainees to other provinces left on Wednesday without including him in the journey.
Henry Constantín has faced repeated reprisals for his journalistic work, including arbitrary detentions, equipment confiscations, and movement restrictions. His work has brought to light social and political issues that are generally not covered in the official media on the island.
This detention raised concerns primarily due to the increasing repression by the Cuban regime against dissenting voices, just hours before a march that took place on Friday, November 20, while the country is experiencing prolonged blackouts and the population is facing a worsening economic crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Henry Constantín and Repression in Cuba
Why was Henry Constantín arrested in Havana?
Henry Constantín was detained in Havana by State Security on the charge of violating a legal restriction on his stay in the capital. This arrest is part of a systematic pattern of harassment against independent journalism in Cuba, particularly ahead of significant events such as the "March of the Combatant People."
What was the Cuban regime's response to the Habeas Corpus petition filed for Henry Constantín?
The Cuban regime released Henry Constantín without having been brought to the scheduled oral hearing at the Provincial Court of Havana following a Habeas Corpus petition filed on his behalf. However, this action is seen as an attempt to evade legal scrutiny and continue with extrajudicial reprisals.
What kind of reprisals does Henry Constantín face for his journalistic work in Cuba?
Henry Constantín faces arbitrary detentions, confiscation of equipment, and restrictions on movement due to his journalistic work in Cuba. His efforts to highlight social and political issues that are censored by official media have made him a constant target of the Cuban regime.
What is the current situation of press freedom in Cuba?
Press freedom in Cuba is severely restricted. The government systematically represses independent journalists through detentions, confiscation of equipment, and threats. This repression has intensified with new laws that criminalize the receipt of foreign funds and limit freedom of expression.
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