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The Bayamo Faculty of Medical Sciences removed a post on Facebook that attempted to downplay the concerns of its students, after the latter reported that the content did not accurately reflect what occurred in a meeting convened by the academic authorities.
The journalist José Raúl Gallego reported that students expressed discontent not only with the internet price increase imposed by ETECSA, but also with the poor food quality, irregular access to water, and safety issues in the university environment.
Climate of harassment and intimidation
The most alarming aspect, however, was the atmosphere of harassment in which the meeting took place, allegedly summoned by direct orders from State Security. According to sources close to the students, during the meeting several young people received calls from private numbers with the aim of intimidating them and forcing them to abandon their protests.
Later, agents of the DSE have been contacting students and their families to report to the 3rd Police Station, where they have been required to sign letters of retraction regarding previously circulated statements.
In light of this situation, some students have requested written guarantees of their safety from the educational authorities, amid a climate of growing tension. According to Gallego, all of this occurs with the awareness of the academic officials.
Called to break the silence
The journalist made a direct call to students who are being pressured: “Don’t stay silent. Expose it, with names and surnames. Keeping them isolated and silent is the regime's strategy to dismantle any form of protest and make them pay for their bravery. The ones who are in the wrong here are them.”
The incident in Bayamo adds to other recent reports of repressive measures being used to control university dissent, particularly in the context of the student strike and the widespread backlash against ETECSA's rate hike.
Frequently asked questions about the student protest at the University of Bayamo and the ETECSA rate hike
Why did the University of Bayamo delete a Facebook post about the student protests?
The University of Bayamo removed the publication because it attempted to downplay the students' demands, who reported that it did not accurately reflect the reality of what occurred in a meeting with the academic authorities.
What are the main complaints of the students at the University of Bayamo?
Students expressed dissatisfaction with the increase in internet prices imposed by ETECSA, the poor quality of food, irregular access to water, and security issues in the university environment. They also reported a climate of harassment and intimidation by State Security.
How has the Cuban government responded to the student protests regarding ETECSA's price hike?
The Cuban government has labeled the protests as a "destabilizing maneuver" and has called for "closing ranks." Furthermore, it has attempted to delegitimize the student protests through accusations of media manipulation and has utilized State Security to intimidate activists and students.
What measures has ETECSA taken in response to student discontent?
ETECSA proposed an additional package of 6 GB for university students, bringing the total to 12 GB per month, and included free access to more than 40 educational sites. However, these measures have been deemed insufficient by the students.
What impact has the tariff hike by ETECSA had on the Cuban university community?
The rate hike has sparked a protest movement in several Cuban universities, where students believe that the imposed fees limit access to the internet and exacerbate inequality. This has led to university strikes and reports of repression and censorship within academic institutions.
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