Three Spanish YouTubers, creators of the podcast Black Mango, reported being interrogated by State Security in Cuba after publishing a video in which they candidly described the crisis facing the island.
The content shared by them on social media quickly went viral, becoming the trigger for an episode of surveillance and harassment by the Cuban authorities.
“If you thought everything was fine, the truth is, it’s not; nothing is fine, because the situation in this country right now is terrible. The reality is that with each passing moment, it’s getting worse”, they expressed in one of the videos recorded during their stay on the island.
In the clip, the YouTubers narrated that it only took one day experiencing the daily reality of Cubans to radically change their perception of the country. “What we were told in one house is so much worse than what we saw yesterday. Just one day living like a Cuban conditions you for all the rest of the days you spend in the country,” they said.
The post went viral, appearing in Cuban media and social networks, which prompted an immediate reaction from the regime's repressive apparatus. On their Instagram stories, they reported that they were approached by State Security agents, who interrogated them, demanded to check their phones, and prohibited them from continuing to record.
“The Cuban government has sent officials to interrogate us, to ask us questions, and so on. On the last day, we were unable to record anything because we were essentially being watched,” they explained. “Never in my life have we experienced anything like this, and we've been to many countries”.
The YouTubers are already back in Madrid, safe and sound, but they announced that this Sunday they will release a special episode of their podcast where they will narrate in detail what happened in Cuba, their impressions, and what they described as a "lamentable" and "surreal" experience.
“During the last few days, with everything that was happening, we had some concerns. Some more than others,” they remarked in a serious tone.
This case once again highlights the atmosphere of repression and constant surveillance that not only Cubans face but also foreign visitors who choose to openly express or discuss the reality of the country.
The incident bears similarities to the case of Eva Cavero and Andrés Izarnótegui, a couple of Peruvian tourists who were deported from Cuba in September 2024 after recording videos in the streets of Havana for their YouTube channel La Blue Kombi.
In that case, the immigration authorities sought them out early in the morning at their hotel, interrogated them for 12 hours, searched their phones, accused them of “damaging the image of the country,” and expelled them without allowing them to collect their belongings or contact their embassy or a lawyer.
Both cases reflect a growing pattern of surveillance, harassment, and censorship against foreign visitors who choose to document the social situation in Cuba. The regime maintains a tight grip on content that portrays negative aspects of the island, even when it comes from foreign creators and for tourist or documentary purposes.
In contrast to these cases, Mexican influencer Luisito Comunica, with over 44 million subscribers on YouTube, was able to film and publish multiple videos in Cuba without obstacles that promote a friendly and even touristic image of the country.
From culinary tours to visits to iconic sites like the Hotel Nacional, his productions have been criticized for their apparent proximity to the official narrative.
The Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego has suggested that the access of the YouTuber was authorized and facilitated by the regime. “With each new video, Luisito demonstrates why State Security allowed him to enter Cuba.”
He also pointed out that there are propaganda elements in his reports, such as the "resistance kitchen" or the promotion of state tobacco.
Even artists like the rapper El B have criticized Luisito Comunica for "romanticizing misery" and playing into Castro's propaganda. "They took you to the only painted bodega," he wrote in verses shared on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression and Censorship in Cuba
Why were the Spanish YouTubers interrogated in Cuba?
YouTubers were interrogated by State Security in Cuba after publishing a video that portrayed the crisis on the island in a raw manner. The content went viral and triggered a response from the regime, which monitored and harassed them during their stay.
How do surveillance and censorship manifest in Cuba towards foreigners?
In Cuba, surveillance and censorship manifest through harassment and control of content that showcases negative aspects of the country, even when created by foreign visitors. The regime maintains strict control over what gets published, as evidenced by cases of interrogations and deportations of tourists who document Cuban reality.
What differences exist in the treatment of content creators in Cuba?
The treatment of content creators in Cuba varies depending on the type of content they produce. While some YouTubers face censorship and harassment for depicting the country's critical reality, others, such as Luisito Comunica, have been able to film without obstacles by presenting a more pleasant and tourist-friendly image of the island, suggesting a preferential treatment influenced by the regime's official narrative.
What similar incidents have occurred with tourists in Cuba?
Similar incidents have occurred with tourists like Eva Cavero and Andrés Izarnótegui, who were deported after filming on the streets of Havana. This pattern of surveillance and censorship is becoming more common, affecting visitors who try to document the social situation in the country.
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