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The renowned Cuban actress Amarilys Núñez, residing in Miami, has publicly joined the growing social support for the student protest in Cuba against the recent rate hike by ETECSA.
The measure imposed by the state telecommunications monopoly has increased the cost and dollarized basic communication services, leaving many young people on the Island without connection or viable alternatives.
"I feel a great pride for these young people who are raising their voices, not just for themselves, but also for our elders, for our professionals, for justice!" he expressed.
Núñez's statement was made as a comment on a post from the feminist platform Alas Tensas and represents another gesture of support in line with other well-known figures from the arts and culture.
"The intervention of public figures like Amarilys Núñez is an urgent call to break the silence and support those who dare to speak out today. Students should not be alone," wrote Alas Tensas on Facebook.
This support comes amid a wave of statements and gestures of solidarity towards university students who, in recent days, have been involved in discussions, public declarations, and calls for teachers' strikes in various institutions across the country.
The protests, unprecedented in the recent history of the Cuban student movement, have been a direct response to ETECSA's decision to raise the prices of data packages and require payment in foreign currency, effectively excluding from the system those who do not have support from abroad.
The voices of art break the silence
Amarilys Núñez's gesture adds to the powerful message launched days ago by Susana Pérez, also a Cuban actress with a vast career, who from exile urged young people not to succumb to fear nor to the outdated narratives of power.
"Do not be intimidated, do not be swayed by outdated speeches. This is the moment, there is no other. All processes of change began at the university," said Susana, recalling the historic role of students as a driving force for transformation in Cuba.
The words of both artists resonate amid a growing social discontent, with fees surpassing the monthly minimum wage, limitations on top-ups, and an imposed reliance on foreign remittances to access connectivity.
The regime responds with silence and threats
The government's response has been the usual: denial, stigmatization, and repression.
While official media avoid reporting or downplay the protests, allegations have begun to circulate about students being threatened by university officials and State Security, in a campaign reminiscent of the repressive patterns following the protests on July 11, 2021.
In the face of this reality, the voices of the students represent not only an act of personal courage but a collective message: the silence is beginning to break.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protests in Cuba against ETECSA's Price Hike
Why are Cuban students protesting against ETECSA?
Cuban students protest against ETECSA due to the increase in fees for telecommunications services that have dollarized and raised the cost of internet access, primarily affecting those without financial support from abroad. This measure has been perceived as an act of social exclusion and economic coercion, leading to significant discontent among the youth and other sectors of Cuban society.
Which public figures have shown their support for the student protests?
Public figures such as actresses Amarilys Núñez and Susana Pérez have publicly supported the students. Amarilys Núñez expressed her pride in the young people who raise their voices for justice, while Susana Pérez urged the students not to be swayed by the outdated speeches of the regime. They have also received support from artists and intellectuals both inside and outside of Cuba.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the student protests?
The Cuban government's response has been denial, stigmatization, and repression. Official media have avoided reporting on the protests and there have been allegations of students being threatened by university officials and State Security. This response echoes the repressive patterns seen after the protests of July 11, 2021.
What impact does ETECSA's rate hike have on the Cuban population?
The ETECSA price hike has severely impacted the Cuban population by making communication services more expensive and requiring payments in foreign currency, which excludes those who only have Cuban pesos. This has limited access to information, education, and digital work, worsening social inequality in the country.
How have students from other countries reacted to the protests in Cuba?
Students from other countries, such as those from the University of Concepción in Chile, have shown their solidarity with Cuban university students. They have expressed their support and assured that Cuban students "are not alone", highlighting the situation in Cuba and calling for unity and international support.
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