Cuban journalists Yunia Figueredo and Frank Correa face escalating repression

Independent Cuban journalists Yunia Figueredo Cruz and Frank Correa are facing escalating repression and harassment from authorities in Havana. According to reports from the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP) and the Cuban Observatory for Freedom of Expression (OCLE), the couple has been subjected to numerous instances of intimidation, including surveillance, arbitrary detentions, interrogations, and travel restrictions.

The pressure appears to be retaliation for their reporting on local issues such as power outages, waste accumulation, and citizen protests in the Jaimanitas neighborhood. Recent developments include Figueredo being placed under house arrest and prohibited from leaving her municipality. Authorities have also imposed requirements for her to report to a police station monthly.

Both journalists have faced detention without judicial orders. In one instance, they were held for over 16 hours without communication. The harassment has also extended to their family, with reports of State Security agents threatening Figueredo and her daughter at their home.