A video of a 20-year-old Cuban woman went viral after denouncing the daily hardships in Cuba and calling for freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution, amid demands for regime institutions to correct an error on her university diploma.
After posting her video this Monday, Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente received threats, was summoned to her Faculty, and, as she recounted, later informed her that her academic degree “is already ready.”
At the beginning of the clip, the young woman reads Article 54 (“the State recognizes, respects, and guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and expression”) to frame her right to speak: “I come to express what I think”.
Licensed as a Higher Technician in Dental Prosthesis, she explains that she has been unable to practice due to an error in her name on the diploma, despite having graduated in February 2025.
For this reason, and with a mother facing health issues, he started working in different jobs to help with the household economy.
"But it's no secret to anyone that neither one nor two nor three salaries are enough to live, but one has to be a magician to survive," he said.
From there, it breaks down a list of deficiencies: state salaries (citing 3,000 pesos monthly during social service) that are insufficient, inflation, corruption, “nonexistent” transportation, intermittent water and liquefied gas, high Internet rates, and, above all, prolonged power outages without notice.
“Sleeping is a human need… when one doesn’t rest, the body becomes worn out both physically and mentally,” he argues, linking power outages to a deterioration of health and questioning the healthcare system’s ability to respond.
Benítez Silvente says he does not want to emigrate, but acknowledges the pain of seeing family and friends leave “in search of a life where they can eat well, have water, and earn a decent salary.”
He concludes by quoting José Martí: “Liberty is the right of every man to be honorable and to think and speak without hypocrisy,” as an ethical signature of his testimony.
After the publication, threats directed at the young woman circulated. University authorities summoned her, and hours later, they confirmed that her degree —which she had been requesting for months due to an administrative error— "is ready."
Internet users sent him messages assuring that he would be jailed for his statements, while others questioned him for exposing those shortcomings.
Beyond the detractors, his testimony moved thousands and triggered immediate responses, while reigniting the debate on free expression, basic services, and institutional accountability in Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the current situation in Cuba and freedom of expression
What was Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente's message in her viral video?
Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente, a 20-year-old Cuban, spoke out against the daily hardships in Cuba and appealed to the freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution. Her video went viral as it highlighted the economic difficulties and lack of basic services on the island. Despite facing threats and institutional pressure, her testimony reignited the debate on freedom of expression and living conditions in Cuba.
What challenges does the Cuban population face in their daily lives?
Cubans are facing multiple challenges, such as insufficient wages, inflation, corruption, transportation issues, water and gas shortages, high Internet fees, and prolonged power outages. These difficulties are seriously impacting the quality of life for citizens, who struggle to meet their basic needs. The situation is compounded by the precariousness of the healthcare system and the constant threats to freedom of expression.
How does the economic situation affect professionals in Cuba?
In Cuba, many qualified professionals, such as doctors, teachers, and engineers, live in conditions of economic hardship. State salaries are insufficient to cover basic needs, forcing many to rely on remittances from abroad or to work in alternative jobs. This situation reflects a reversal of values where those who serve the country face serious economic difficulties.
What impact do blackouts have on the lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts in Cuba, which can last up to 20 hours a day, have a devastating impact on daily life. These power outages affect the ability to rest, health, and the capacity to work and study for the population. Additionally, blackouts disrupt the refrigeration of food and medications, further worsening the precarious situation.
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