Justin Bullock, FISM News
Following the large protests that erupted in Cuba one month ago, the Cuban Communist government is cracking down on social media for its citizens. The Cuban government announced Decree 35 by publishing it in the state’s only newspaper on Tuesday. This new decree introduces a host of new rules and restrictions regarding social media posts from Cubans, including the banning of any posts that may damage Cuba’s prestige or encourage civil unrest.
The purpose of the decree is to mitigate the ability of Cubans to organize widespread protests or disseminate information. It bans any and all false news, content, or posts of any kind as determined by the tyrannical government. It also prohibits any sort of messaging that could be taken by the government to be supporting further protests or civil unrest. Up to this point, Cubans had limited access to Facebook and WhatsApp, which is primarily a texting service, but now the access to these platforms has effectively been eliminated apart from a very limited set of accepted interactions.
Cubans, especially young Cubans, are outraged by the new decree. It is expected that additional demonstrations will soon take place despite the fact that hundreds of citizens remain imprisoned a month after the widespread protests occurred.
Some Cubans are worried that renewed protests will result in even further oppression and abuse from the government. Outside of Cuba, former residents continue to encourage Cubans to continue to protest, and even sabotage, the government as best as they can.
#NoAlDecretoLey35 The Cuban govt doesn’t allow their people to have freedom of expression or speech or basically any other human right. Now with decree law 35 they made it “official” . CUBANS HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR FREEDOM OUR PEOPLE ARE DYING DUE TO THE DICTATORSHIP #SOSCuba
— liz #SOSCUBA (@arclizmo) August 18, 2021