The report "Cuba Agonizes," produced by TV Azteca, began airing in Cuba through Radio y Televisión Martí, in an unusual broadcast that manages to circumvent the information restrictions imposed by the regime.
The coverage was carried out by Mexican journalist Rodrigo Lema, who explained to Radio y Televisión Martí that he decided to travel to the island under high-risk conditions, reported the Azteca television network.
"I have been in high-risk journalism for 15 years... it was essential to be on the ground in such a delicate moment as the one Cuba is experiencing today, a Cuba that is fading away, a Cuba that is suffering."
Lema entered as a tourist to avoid restrictions and to document reality without official supervision.
"I was the only one who was going to travel posing as a tourist, without tripods, without cameras... to be able to show the world the truth."
During his stay, he toured neighborhoods of Havana and depicted a critical panorama.
"I was able to observe the catastrophic situation… garbage accumulation on every corner, pharmacies without a single paracetamol, and completely empty stores."
The journalist also highlighted a significant change in social behavior. “There are no longer lines because there is no food… people already know that there is no food.”
In her interviews, she found testimonies that reflect the deterioration of everyday life. An elderly woman responded, "What food is going to spoil if I don’t have money to buy food?"
One of the central points of the investigation was the diversion of humanitarian aid sent from Mexico.
According to Lema, it was “an open secret” on the island that those resources did not reach the people. “Everyone told me: thank you for the help, but we know it’s not going to get here.”
The team was able to document that donated products were being sold in state stores. “That same bean sent as aid was being sold in packages for 43 dollars,” he stated.
The report, which has had international repercussions, also generated official reactions.
Lema indicated that Cuban authorities and diplomats tried to discredit the investigation, even denying their presence in the country.
The broadcast of the special within Cuba via Martí Noticias marks a significant event, as it allows this type of content to reach the population directly in an environment where access to independent information remains limited.
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