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Threats of imprisonment and expulsion were the response from State Security against students from the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas (UCLV) who were organizing a university strike for Monday.
The report was shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who shared the testimony of a student from that university.
"In my Faculty of Economics, State Security has already started taking action. They visited three students at their homes, threatened to expel them from the university, and even talked about imprisonment," the student wrote in the message.
"One of them was the administrator of the WhatsApp channel 'The Voice of Everyone', which aimed to unite university students and had already gained over 500 followers in just a few hours. A university rally was being organized for Monday, but he was forced to shut down the channel," he specified.
Pentón also shared a screenshot of the WhatsApp group where the threatened student posted a retraction.
"Youth were threatened in front of their families and forced to write messages in the faculty's WhatsApp group 'repenting' and expressing support for the FEU. All, clearly under coercion," Pentón reported.
Last Wednesday, the students of UCLV announced that they were joining the academic strike initiated by other Cuban universities, in protest against the restrictions imposed by the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), which they describe as discriminatory and exclusionary.
In their statement, the UCLV students called for a mass absence from classes until an accessible social fee is approved for the entire population and current benefits are extended to researchers, educators, and professionals who depend on internet access for their work.
For its part, the rectorate of the "Marta Abreu" Central University shared a message on its social media expressing an apparent normality in its educational activities.
"Today is Wednesday, and the hustle and bustle of student life characterizes the week at UCLV. Students are preparing for their exams, working on impactful assignments, and conducting research for scientific projects. 'Behind every challenge, there is a great reward,' they expressed."
The academic strike in Cuba began on June 4 and extends across universities throughout the country, with its epicenter at the University of Havana. The response from the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has been clear: There will be no reversal of the rate increase.
This weekend, viral videos circulating on social media of dissatisfied students confronting officials unable to address their demands reflect the discontent.
The student movement shaking Cuban universities demands fairer fees and equitable connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protest and ETECSA's Measures in Cuba
Why have the students of the University of Las Villas been threatened?
The students of the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas have been threatened by State Security with expulsion and imprisonment for organizing a university protest against ETECSA's fees. These repressive actions aim to silence the demands of the students, who are calling for fairer and more affordable internet access fees in Cuba.
What do Cuban students demand in their protests against ETECSA?
Students are demanding the repeal of measures imposed by ETECSA that limit top-ups in national currency and increase the prices of data packages. They seek fairer and more accessible rates for the entire population, as well as the inclusion of benefits for researchers and teachers. Additionally, they are calling for transparent dialogue and the inclusion of student technical proposals in decision-making.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the student protests?
The Cuban government has responded to the student protests with a confrontational discourse, accusing the demonstrators of being manipulated by "enemies of the system." The regime has taken an inflexible stance, refusing to reverse ETECSA's rates, and has chosen to stand firm against the student demands, which has created an atmosphere of repression and threat.
How has the University Student Federation (FEU) reacted to the protests?
The University Student Federation (FEU) has shown an ambiguous stance. Initially, it supported the protests, but later aligned with the government, discrediting the demonstrations as "destabilizing maneuvers." The FEU has been criticized for its lack of representativeness and autonomy, being seen as a political arm of the Communist Party.
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