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The young university student Geyler Mendoza Sánchez, an Art History student at the Universidad de Oriente, publicly denounced a campaign of institutional disinformation from the official profile of that educational institution regarding the student statements about the exorbitant rates of ETECSA.
In a post shared on their Facebook profile under the title "Necessary Clarification," Mendoza stated that the Art History program did join the demands for the high cost of internet access in Cuba, contradicting a statement published by the university on social media that labeled such student participation as "false."
"The Art History program at the University of Oriente joined the demand, this is true. This information is known by our professors and the FEU," said the young man, who identified himself as bairense, proudly acknowledging his mambí heritage.
Mendoza harshly criticized the use of the university's official profile to deny a factual event, thereby betraying the trust of the university community.
"They used the profile of the University of Oriente to claim that the information circulating about the Art History program is false. It's an embarrassment. They betray the trust of thousands of users," he wrote indignantly.
The student emphasized that the values instilled in him, both by his family and at school, prevent him from remaining silent in the face of what he sees as an institutional ethical deficiency.
"Never lie. That, for me, is a great offense as a university student. Where is the example?" he questioned.
He also expressed that he used his voice to highlight how ETECSA's rates affect vulnerable sectors, such as the elderly who rely on the internet to obtain medications, and he lamented that the student demands are being downplayed.
"I am a young university student, a future worker of this country, and it is because of these values, this concern, that I am writing this post to raise awareness. Remember that we are the future of this country. And this is not just a slogan," he emphasized.
Mendoza's statement adds to a growing wave of discontent in Cuban university centers, where an increasing number of students are denouncing repression, institutional silence, and attempts to delegitimize any dissent.
Last Sunday, the Art History students currently in their third and fourth years at the University of Oriente publicly rejected the measures imposed by ETECSA, and stated that they will not accept "crumbs" that benefit a select few.
In a statement shared on social media, more than half of the Art History students expressed their decision to join the call of other university students across the country against the monopoly on communications in Cuba, asserting that they are not being manipulated by any external media.
The text stated that the measures to restrict national top-ups are an "outrage," and ETECSA's alternatives of offering wifi and data to students only benefit a select few.
In recent days, the complaints from university students in Cuba have surged, reflecting an increasing discontent with the fees imposed by ETECSA and the institutional handling of the protests.
A group of students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Havana made a public statement in which they accused ETECSA of imposing abusive rates that impact their access to information and communication with family members.
In the message, they emphasized their right to protest and organize, and rejected any attempts to manipulate their position as a product of external interests.
Few days later, the Faculty of Mathematics of that same university canceled a previously agreed student strike, citing pressure and fears of potential reprisals.
Although the collective action has stopped, it has become clear that discontent persists among the students, who are questioning the lack of transparency in the handling of these situations.
At the same time, reports emerged indicating the presence of State Security agents in the vicinity of universities, which created an atmosphere of tension and intimidation.
Some activists directly reported the harassment by plainclothes officers, as well as the monitoring on social media against those who had shown their support for the protests or posted critical messages.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protest Against the ETECSA Rate Hike in Cuba
Why are the students of the University of Oriente protesting against ETECSA?
The students of the University of Oriente are protesting against ETECSA due to the abusive internet fees, which they consider an infringement on their right to communication. The new measures severely restrict national top-ups and only benefit a small group, leading to social inequality. The students are demanding fairer rates and equitable access to information technology.
What actions have the students taken against ETECSA's rate hike?
Students have issued public statements rejecting ETECSA's measures and have threatened to join a university strike if the rates are not revoked. Students have demanded concrete responses and solutions within a five-day period, and have expressed their willingness to join an academic strike if their demands are not met.
How has the Universidad de Oriente responded to the students' complaints?
The University of Oriente has been accused of attempting to delegitimize student protests by publicly denying the involvement of the History of Art program in the demands against ETECSA. This action has been criticized by students like Geyler Mendoza Sánchez, who points out that the university betrays the trust of the university community by distorting the facts.
What impact does ETECSA's rate increase have on Cuban students?
The ETECSA rate hike limits students' access to the internet, a vital tool for their academic and professional development. The restrictions affect communication with their families and access to necessary information for their studies, generating feelings of outrage and discontent among university students.
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