Cuba: Journalists Branded as 'Mercenaries', WPF Condemns State Persecution of Independent Media
October 3, 2024 - Cuba
Since mid-September 2024, around twenty people linked to independent media, including journalists, project managers, activists, and content creators, have been summoned as "witnesses" in a criminal investigation. They face accusations of being "mercenaries" and face prison sentences of between four and ten years.
Maria Lucia Exposito, a freelance journalist, was subjected to an extensive six-hour interrogation by authorities, during which her personal belongings, including her phone and US$1,000, were confiscated.
Katia Sanchez, a freelance communications strategist with ties to independent media outlet El Toque and SembraMedia, also faced targeted harassment from state agents. After being questioned by Ministry of the Interior officials over her participation in foreign-funded training programs for journalists, she was threatened with prosecution under Cuba's strict penal code. Authorities accused her of violating Article 143, which criminalizes receiving foreign funding as "mercenary" activity. Fearing imminent legal action and further persecution, Katia fled Cuba on September 13, 2024.
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned over the Cuban government's actions, and calls for respect for journalists' rights to free expression and safe reporting. We urge the international community, including human rights organizations and press freedom advocates, to condemn these actions and demand that the Cuban government immediately cease its campaign of harassment against journalists. There must be accountability for those responsible for coercive interrogations, threats, and the implementation of restrictive laws aimed at criminalizing independent journalism.
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Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Cumpio and demands her immediate release, along with the dismissal of all charges against her.
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We stand in solidarity with Rana Ayyub and call for swift action to hold those responsible accountable, ensuring that this heinous targeting is met with justice.
We call for transparent investigations into the journalist’s cases and ask for her safety to be ensured, so she can continue to report the truth without any fear of retribution.
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We demand a transparent explanation from the Bangladeshi interim government for this repressive measure, which silences critical voices and infringes on basic rights.
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the alarming escalation of police violence against women journalists in Turkiye. We are particularly appalled by the recent brutal attack on respected journalist Pelşin Çetinkaya, who was detained and tortured while covering public protests against trustee appointments in Batman.
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the egregious violation of human rights faced by imprisoned journalist and Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Women Press Freedom condemns the unacceptable violation of press rights experienced by RTÉ journalist Yvonne Murray during her live broadcast from Georgia ahead of the U.S. elections.
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by RTL Lëtzebuerg journalist Annick Goerens while covering the U.S. elections. Goerens' application for press credentials to attend a Republican event hosted by JD Vance was denied without explanation, forcing her to secure a general admission pass instead.
Women Press Freedom condemns the violation that led to the temporary suspension of journalist Cristina Fallarás' Instagram account.
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We urge the international community to prioritize the safety of these women journalists, advocate for press freedom in Afghanistan and offer urgent support to protect their lives.
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