Journalist Henry Constantin remains detained in Cuba

Independent journalist Henry Constantin Ferreiro remains in detention in Camagüey, Cuba, one week after his arrest. Constantin, the director of the digital outlet La Hora de Cuba, is being investigated for an alleged crime of disobedience following a failure to appear for a summons from the Directorate of Identification, Immigration, and Foreigners.

During a brief twenty-minute visit with his partner, journalist Alejandra García, Constantin stated, “I am calm and I stand firm,” expressing his determination not to yield to pressure. While initial reports suggested he had been moved to a different facility, a phone call confirmed he is being held at the Kilo 7 prison, rather than the Villa María Luisa State Security facility where he was initially detained.

Legal representatives have challenged the charges, noting that under the Criminal Procedure Law, failure to appear for a first summons is typically sanctioned by a fine rather than imprisonment. Additionally, a scheduled habeas corpus hearing was reportedly postponed. The Inter American Press Association has previously condemned Constantin's detention, noting his role as the regional vice president for Cuba of its Commission on Freedom of the Press and Information.