Cuban Journalist Yeris Curbelo Aguilera Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Reporting

October 03, 2024 – Cuba –

Independent Cuban journalist and activist Yeris Curbelo Aguilera has been sentenced to two years in prison in what press freedom advocates call a politically motivated move aimed at silencing dissent. Curbelo, who reports for non-state outlets Palenque Visión and CubaNet, was convicted on September 24, 2024, of “causing minor injuries” during an altercation with several young men in Guantánamo earlier this year. He was originally arrested on June 16, detained for two days, and released on bail pending trial.

Curbelo and human rights groups maintain that the confrontation was not a random act of violence but a provocation orchestrated by state security. The journalist claims he was targeted in retaliation for his reporting on anti-government protests in the town of Caimanera in May 2023. His wife testified that the youths involved were acting on behalf of Cuban authorities. One of them was briefly charged but ultimately acquitted.

The Cuban government does not recognize independent media and frequently uses the legal system to punish journalists critical of the regime. Curbelo’s reporting, which focused on corruption, local repression, and civil unrest, placed him under constant surveillance and harassment long before his arrest. Under Cuba’s laws, which prohibit foreign-funded or unauthorized journalism, even non-violent expression is often criminalized.

Press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have condemned the sentencing. CPJ called the punishment “draconian” and demanded Curbelo’s immediate release, warning that it reflects a broader pattern of judicial harassment against Cuba’s dwindling community of independent reporters. The LatAm Journalism Review similarly highlighted the case as an example of how the Cuban regime weaponizes the legal system to stifle free expression and control the media narrative.

Curbelo’s imprisonment sends a chilling message to other journalists working outside state-controlled outlets. With Cuba tightening its grip on media through legal persecution, censorship, and intimidation, the space for investigative journalism continues to shrink. Unless international pressure mounts and legal protections are restored, journalists like Yeris Curbelo will remain at constant risk simply for doing their job.

Reference – 

Cuban regime sentences independent journalist Yeris Curbelo to two years in prison

Journalist Yeris Curbelo Aguilera sentenced to 2 years in prison in Cuba – Committee to Protect Journalists (cpj.org)