Liberal International’s human rights committee condemns the recent restrictions imposed by the Cuban regime on internet use and social media, further curtailing the freedom of expression of the Cuban population.

We applaud the strength and bravery of the Cuban people who took to the streets in one of the country’s largest popular protests in decades to speak out against the dictatorial Castroist regime. The protests in response to the severe economic crisis and food and medicine shortages, shook the government which has been repressing dissent for the past 60 years.

We are alarmed that the regime did not seize this outpouring of political expression as an opportunity to engage constructively with its people. Instead, the adoption of “Decree 35” and accompanying legislation now paves the way to legitimising digital repression and further risking criminalisation of criticism of the government online.

The introduction of misinformation laws, which can be applied to suppress dissent, unveils a concerning potential for the state to exercise excessive use of force, internet shutdowns, and the arbitrary arrest of hundreds of peaceful protesters. Already, scores of protesters are in custody, with their families unaware of their location and legal status.

As liberal proponents of digital rights the human rights committee calls on the government to respect the right to access of telecommunications networks and to respect the fundamental freedoms pertaining to legitimate, free, and democratic expression on digital platforms. We further call for an immediate release of all political prisoners, including those detained during and in the aftermath of the protests in July. 

NB: The Liberal International human rights committee is championing a campaign to promote liberal principles of digitalisation. You can engage with the campaign and learn more about the principles here.