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The independent journalist Henry Constantin, director of the media outlet La Hora de Cuba, is currently detained at the Operations Unit of State Security, known as Villa María Luisa, in the city of Camagüey, where he is facing an accusation for the alleged crime of contempt.
The report of his arrest was made by the outlet itself on its official Facebook page, .
According to Iris Mariño, who visited the unit on Monday to learn about the reasons for the detention, the criminal investigator —identified as Luis, a young officer under 30— reported that the reason is a post made on May 15 on the La Hora de Cuba Facebook page, in which a State Security agent was denounced. However, the post was not uploaded from the profile of the detained activist.
Constantin is a journalist closely monitored by the Cuban regime due to his role as director of La Hora de Cuba and his civic activism.
He was one of the protesters from July 11, 2021, and he had already been in December 2024, when he was held at the El Vivac detention center in Havana, before being released following a habeas corpus petition.
Also in 2023, he was arrested in Camagüey while trying to cover the trial of the activist Anniette González, who was detained for performing with the Cuban flag.
The repeated persecution of Henry Constantin highlights the regime's policy of systematic harassment against independent journalists and activists, especially around anniversaries such as July 11 (11J), when authorities intensify control and repression measures to prevent expressions of social discontent.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Repression of Journalists in Cuba
Why was the journalist Henry Constantin detained?
Henry Constantin was arrested on an alleged charge of contempt, stemming from a post on La Hora de Cuba's Facebook page that denounced a State Security agent. This action is part of the systematic repression by the Cuban regime against independent media.
What is contempt in the Cuban context and how is it used?
In Cuba, contempt is a crime frequently used to silence government critics and independent journalists. It refers to actions or words that offend or challenge the authorities, and is often employed to justify arbitrary detentions, as in the case of Henry Constantin.
How does repression affect independent journalists in Cuba?
Independent journalists in Cuba face detentions, surveillance, threats, and forced exile. These actions aim to silence critical voices and hinder journalistic work in a context where press freedom is severely restricted.
What role does MININT play in the repression of journalists in Cuba?
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) of Cuba is an integral part of the regime's repressive apparatus, employing plainclothes agents and intimidation tactics to control and suppress journalists and activists who challenge the government. This includes surveillance, detentions, and acts of intimidation, as seen in the case of Henry Constantin and other communicators.
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