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The Chargé d'Affaires of the United States in Cuba, Mike Hammer, held a meeting with the independent media outlet 14ymedio in Havana, where he discussed the current situation in the country.
According to the media outlet itself, as reported on its Facebook profile, Hammer ascended the 14 floors to the newsroom during a blackout, where he was welcomed by the director Yoani Sánchez and journalist Reinaldo Escobar.
During the visit, the diplomat, accompanied by Leslie Núñez Goodman, adviser from the Office of Education, Culture, and Press, discussed the crisis in Cuba, the practice of independent journalism, and the daily challenges faced by citizens.
The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, within a context marked by ongoing pressure against the non-official press.
Yoani Sánchez herself reported that days before, she was surrounded by a State Security operation that prevented her from leaving her home without providing explanations.
Both Sánchez and Escobar have been frequently harassed by the authorities amid the restrictions faced by independent media on the island.
Hammer's visit takes place against a backdrop of increasing control over information and challenges in practicing journalism outside of official channels.
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