A young Cuban was attacked by police after protesting against the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), following the recent imposition of restrictions on national top-ups and the increase in dollarization of its services.
Ramón Escalona Labrada, identified on Facebook as The Opponent of Satan, shared that last Tuesday, while he was peacefully demonstrating in El Curita park in Centro Habana, the sector chief of the police, along with another officer, detained him and took him to the station in that municipality.
Upon arrival, as he specified, a repressing officer with the rank of major took him to a cell, where he began to beat him.
After stopping him, the opposition figure said to him: "I already saw your identification number, 06650". The victim recounted that upon saying those words, he was taken into a "more internal and darker" location, where he was assaulted further.
"I'm starting to get more hits; he told me that he wanted to take my eyes out and was putting his fingers in my eyes. He threw me to the floor, placed me on my back, immobilized me, and told another officer to bring him water to drown me. The officer went to get the water, and they poured water into my mouth. Then they took me to a dark room and he told me to kneel facing the wall and not to move from there. I stayed in that position for a long time until the officer who had brought the water came back and took me to the detention cell," he said.
Subsequently, he was interrogated by an officer of State Security and was accused of inciting criminal behavior for calling on people to protest against ETECSA.
However, Escalona stated that since there is no law on demonstrations in Cuba, "what is not regulated cannot be punished, therefore, the crime of incitement to commit a crime is null."
According to the text shared on social media, Escalona will denounce the attacks carried out by the oppressors, based on the evidence he has in his possession.
Among them is a medical report acknowledging the bruises caused by the beatings.
Throughout the country, there has been an increase in social discontent due to the recent restrictions that limit top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP over a 30-day period, and the growing dollarization of the service, which effectively excludes those who only have Cuban pesos.
Despite the regime's attempts to discredit popular expressions, Cubans continue to articulate clear demands: fair rates, equitable access to the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and ETECSA's Rate Hike
Why was Ramón Escalona Labrada attacked in Havana?
Ramón Escalona Labrada was assaulted by a police officer after peacefully protesting against the restrictions and tariff increases by ETECSA. During his detention, he suffered beatings and inhumane treatment by the authorities.
What measures has ETECSA taken that have generated discontent in Cuba?
The measures implemented by ETECSA include a limitation on top-ups in Cuban pesos to 360 CUP per month and the promotion of data plans in dollars. These measures have been perceived as exclusive and have generated significant social discontent as they are believed to favor those with access to foreign currency.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the protests against the ETECSA rate hike?
The Cuban regime has responded with repression and threats towards those who protest, as evidenced by the detention of artists and activists. Furthermore, the government has defended ETECSA's rates, arguing the need to maintain the service and prevent a technological collapse.
What impact do the new ETECSA rates have on the Cuban population?
The new ETECSA rates are considered prohibitively high for most Cubans, as they exceed the monthly minimum wage. This restricts internet access for those who do not receive remittances or lack access to foreign currency, deepening the inequality in connectivity access.
What actions have students and civil society taken in response to ETECSA's measures?
Students and civil society have organized protests and academic strikes in response to ETECSA's rates. These actions aim to demand fair pricing and equitable access to the internet, while denouncing repression and the lack of an adequate response from the government.
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