The Academic Freedom Observatory (OLA) expressed its support for the student demands at several Cuban universities, driven by the restrictions imposed by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) on Internet browsing in Cuba.
In an official statement, OLA defended the students' right to peacefully protest and warned of potential reprisals from the regime. They also denounced that the internet access restrictions imposed by ETECSA violate the human right to education and access to information.
"The Observatory of Academic Freedom supports the demands of the Cuban university student body. At the same time, we condemn any retaliation by the Government of Cuba against those who peacefully exercise their right to access information and freedom of expression within our institutions," the official statement reads.
OLA stated that the demands of university students are legitimate given the socioeconomic crisis the country is facing and the lack of representation from organizations like the FEU.
They insisted that "the use of the internet cannot be understood as a class privilege in any educational system, as it is part of the methodological structure of every academic process."
The mobilizations began at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Havana (UH), where students called for an indefinite academic strike starting June 4th.
Among their demands are the elimination of the limitation on national top-ups to 360 CUP every 30 days, transparent dialogue with ETECSA, and the inclusion of student technical proposals in the decision-making process.
The University of Havana issued an official statement this Wednesday, reaffirming its unconditional support for the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and declared that “nothing and no one will interrupt the teaching processes.” The institution thus distanced itself from the student demands and defended what it considers its “revolutionary essence.”
The concern of university students quickly spread to other faculties. On June 3, students from the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work of UH issued a statement expressing their "absolute rejection" of ETECSA's rates and demanding social justice and institutional transparency.
On Tuesday, the Technological University of Havana (CUJAE) also joined the opposition to ETECSA's measures. The FEU and the UJC of CUJAE described the explanations provided by the company's president as “vague” and demanded structural changes and respect for the student body and the Cuban people.
ETECSA had announced the availability of a second package of 6 GB for university students for an additional 360 CUP, and opened more than 40 educational sites. However, it did not alter the criticized general connectivity policy, and therefore the government’s proposals did not change the stance of university students.
The tension between students and authorities marks a new chapter of friction in Cuban academia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Student Demands in Cuba and ETECSA's Measures
Why are university students protesting in Cuba?
University students in Cuba are denouncing the restrictions imposed by ETECSA, as they limit national top-ups to 360 CUP every 30 days, affecting their access to the internet. These measures are seen as a violation of the right to education and access to information, which are essential for their academic development.
What demands are Cuban students presenting in their protests?
Students are demanding the repeal or modification of the measures imposed by ETECSA, a transparent dialogue with the company's management, and the inclusion of student technical knowledge in the search for solutions. They are also requesting the removal of the limitation on national top-ups and that social justice and institutional transparency be taken into account.
How has the University of Havana responded to the student protests?
The University of Havana has reaffirmed its unconditional support for the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and has declared that it will not allow interruptions in its teaching processes. The institution has distanced itself from student demands, defending its "revolutionary essence" and prioritizing institutional stability.
What measures has ETECSA taken in response to the criticism and protests?
ETECSA has offered university students the opportunity to purchase a second mobile data package of 6 GB for an additional 360 CUP, bringing the total to 12 GB per month. Additionally, it has opened up more than 40 educational sites for students to access without using mobile data. However, these measures have not changed the criticized overall connectivity policy.
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