Cuban State Security threatens journalist Austin Llerandi with exile or jail

Cuban State Security has issued an ultimatum to independent journalist Austin Llerandi, director of the community news platform Amanecer Habanero, demanding he leave the country within two months or face imprisonment.

Llerandi reported that the pressure intensified following a five-hour detention at the Marianao police station on August 21. During the interrogation, officials allegedly used psychological tactics involving his pregnant partner and unborn daughter to coerce his departure. The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP) has documented these actions as part of a pattern of institutional violence aimed at silencing community-based information.

In a video response released from Havana, the 36-year-old journalist vowed to continue his work despite the threats. He stated, “The dictatorship exists, armed and with countless ways to oppress us, but we must not stop our work,” emphasizing his commitment to exposing human rights abuses.