In another display of political cynicism and disdain for Cuban youth, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), launched an attack against Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz, for expressing his support for the Cuban students protesting against ETECSA's new rate hike.
"HYPOCRITES! Tear gas is still being inhaled in Los Angeles. Latinos from various countries are being 'hunted', families are separated... But Alejandro Sanz and the 'Cuban-American' congressmen remain miserably silent. They are too busy with the student Mega in Cuba," wrote the former spy on Facebook.
The comment not only highlights the arrogant and evasive tone of a regime leader, but also the chronic inability of the Cuban establishment to look inward and take responsibility for a national crisis that particularly affects the most vulnerable.
Alejandro Sanz: a gesture of solidarity that honors
Far from the empty rhetoric of Gerardo Hernández, Alejandro Sanz's message was clear, sincere, and profoundly human. Through his official account on X, the renowned musician expressed:
In the voices of Cuban youth beats the future of a country that still dreams awake
A simple yet powerful gesture that breaks the complicity of many international figures' silence and sends a message of encouragement and legitimacy to the Cuban people—especially to its students.
While the regime insists on labeling the youth who dare to protest peacefully as "manipulated" or "instrumentalized," the solidarity of figures like Sanz dismantles that official narrative and highlights what is truly important: the struggle for fundamental rights in a country that systematically denies them.
Gerardo Hernández: the reflection of double standards
Hernández Nordelo's words are not surprising.
A few hours ago, instead of addressing the growing youth discontent in Cuba, he criticized the police repression against pro-Palestinian protesters at universities in the United States, in a clear attempt to divert attention from what is happening in his country.
While Cuban university students bravely mobilize against ETECSA's abusive price hike, facing censorship, threats, and the real possibility of reprisals, the former spy from the group known as "the Five Heroes" chooses to look the other way.
It's the same person who just a few days ago made light of a blackout in Europe to downplay the chronic power outages that Cuba is experiencing.
In their distorted view of the world, everything that happens outside of Cuba is always worse. What occurs within is always the fault of the "blockade" or "external meddling." Never of the power itself, its decisions, or its ineffectiveness.
The ETECSA rate hike: unjust and exclusionary
Since the state monopoly ETECSA announced its new pricing scheme, outrage has been steadily increasing.
University students –one of the sectors most affected by the deficiencies of the system– have bravely denounced that the increase in Internet fees exacerbates social inequality, forces dependence on foreign remittances, and violates the right to education, information, and communication.
In response, the regime has tried to discredit the protests, deny their scope, and minimize their causes.
At the same time, it has mobilized its media and political pawns to sow confusion and launch attacks like Hernández's against those who dare to support the students from outside.
But the protests are legitimate, brave, and necessary. They are a sign that Cuban youth is not passive, and that there is still hope on the Island to build a fairer future, with freedom and without censorship.
The real country is speaking
Gerardo can keep looking outside. But the real country is inside, in the classrooms, in the university halls, in the social media where thousands of young people have said enough. They are neither puppets nor naive. They are Cubans fed up with abuse, inequality, and paying for everything while others have it all.
University students are not just fighting for "megas." They are demanding a model that is dignified, inclusive, and just. There is nothing more revolutionary in Cuba today than this demand for dignity.
And although the regime's spokespersons try to silence their voices, there will always be those who amplify them, like Alejandro Sanz, and like every Cuban, inside or outside the Island, who has not given up on dreaming of a better Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the situation in Cuba: ETECSA rate hike and reactions
Why has Alejandro Sanz shown his support for Cuban students?
Alejandro Sanz has expressed his support for the Cuban students protesting against the increase in ETECSA rates, as he believes that the voice of young people is essential for the future of Cuba. His message emphasizes the importance of international solidarity in the fight for human rights and freedom on the island.
What has motivated the protests of university students in Cuba?
The protests by university students in Cuba have been motivated by the recent increase in fees for ETECSA’s internet service, which they view as an unjust and exclusionary price hike that exacerbates social inequality and impacts their access to education and information. The students are demanding fair prices and equitable access to the internet.
What is the Cuban regime's response to the student protests against ETECSA's rate hike?
The Cuban regime has responded to student protests with attempts to discredit them and accusations of manipulation by "enemies of the system." The government has urged to "close ranks" and has dismissed the protests as orchestrated provocations, while figures from the regime, such as Gerardo Hernández, have attacked those who support these demonstrations from abroad.
What impact does ETECSA's rate increase have on the Cuban population?
The ETECSA rate hike primarily affects ordinary Cubans, as it raises the cost of internet access and promotes services in U.S. dollars that only a minority can afford. This measure deepens social inequality and limits access to information, education, and communication, generating widespread rejection among the population.
Filed under: