A new video from the Cuban content creator Jonhy King has generated thousands of reactions on social media after he spoke out in defense of the independent digital space El4tico and freedom of expression in Cuba.
In the reel, published on Facebook, the young man uses humor and a repeated play on the word “talla” —a Cubanism that, according to the Diccionario de americanismos, means “matter” or “business” in popular usage— to challenge the attempt to silence critical opinions.
"Thinking, expressing opinions, speaking, criticizing, and having different ideas is not a crime; abusing power is the real crime," he states in the video.
During his speech, recorded from what he calls "the little room," he reflects on the right to express disagreement: "Now, why do you want me to keep my thoughts to myself? That's called freedom of speech."
At another moment, he quotes José Martí: "Where there is no equity or respect for all opinions, there is no homeland, there is a dictatorship." He adds: "Freedom is the essence of life."
The statement comes as Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez remain in provisional detention, connected to El4tico, having been arrested on February 6 in Holguín during a pre-dawn operation. The provincial prosecutor of Holguín, Yamisel Hernández Rodríguez, publicly declared that the institution "controls the criminal process that has begun to investigate crimes of propaganda against the constitutional order and instigation to commit a crime,” and asserted that from this digital space, content was spread that "incites the people, members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the Ministry of the Interior, to change the constitutional order of the Republic of Cuba" following her public appearance.
On February 9, the Provincial People's Court admitted a habeas corpus appeal on behalf of the young individuals, and the hearing took place on February 12 under heavy police presence around the courthouse. Subsequently, the appeal was rejected, a decision that prompted the comedian Ulises Toirac to react by writing: “The battle of ideas is a slaughterhouse” on his Facebook profile.
The case also sparked statements outside of Cuba. Spanish singer Melendi posted the hashtag #freeel4tico on his Instagram account against a black background and added his song “Pan para Yolanda,” joining the call for freedom for the youths.
The reel by Jonhy King has amassed tens of thousands of interactions and over a thousand comments, mostly in support of both the creator and the young people connected to El4tico.
Among the most frequently repeated messages are slogans such as: "We are all El4Tico," "Freedom for El4Tico," and "Homeland and Life."
Several users highlighted the linguistic resource used in the video. "He said 'size' a thousand times and we Cubans understood perfectly, perfectly. Hahaha," wrote one internet user. Another commented: "Only a Cuban would understand jjjj that's how it is."
Some emphasized the reach of the message: "It had to be said, and it was said." Also: "The best way to express freedom in a Cuban way."
Other messages reflected support and concern: “Don't let them silence you. You are the best”; “Take care my boy, but I laugh a lot with you chupituki”; “Be careful, son”; “When fear dies, freedom is born.”
In reference to El4tico, several comments expressed collective identification: “We are all El4tico”; “Freedom for El4Tico…”; “Those who understood, understood.”
There were also messages that highlighted the creator's style: "With humor but well expressed, how great"; "Literally. In their own way but well said. It was understood clearly."; "Without saying much, you said it all."
It is not the first time that Jonhy King addresses social issues with humor. In June 2024, he described the situation in the country with phrases such as: “Blackout, building collapse, lack of food, meager salaries, Dubai prices, terrible Internet, shortages, creative resistance... Anger, lies, false promises; these are just words” and also stated: “Life in Cuba is like a blind woman at an orgy, she knows a ping is coming... but she doesn't see from where” in a previous video.
In her most recent intervention, she insists on the right to express opinions without fear: "Why should I have to be afraid to speak my mind about you?" The digital debate surrounding the case of El4tico and the limits of public criticism in Cuba remains ongoing.
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