Cuba detains El4tico creators for six months without trial

Kamil Zayas Perez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina, creators of the independent digital platform El4tico, have been held in pretrial detention in Cuba for six months without a trial date. The two men were arrested by State Security in February 2026 in Holguín and charged with “propaganda against the constitutional order” and “incitement to commit crimes,” offenses that carry potential sentences of up to nine years.

Human rights organizations, including Cubalex and the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP), have denounced the detentions, citing multiple procedural irregularities. Reports indicate that the arrests involved searches conducted without warrants or witnesses, and a habeas corpus petition was denied by the Provincial Court. Cubalex noted that the prolonged use of pretrial detention without formal charges or a scheduled trial date violates international human rights standards.

During their incarceration at the Holguín Provincial Detention Center, the creators have maintained their stance. Medina reportedly refused pressure from State Security to record a video retracting his views, stating that expressing regret “would be a lie.” Zayas Perez has also communicated messages of resilience to supporters, stating, “It has been worth it. Do not give up.”