Renowned Cuban journalist, José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas, who leads the independent media outlet El Toque, recently faced a hostile encounter in Mexico. This act of public rejection was orchestrated by the Mexican Movement of Solidarity with Cuba, a group known for its staunch support of the Havana regime and regular participation in official events at the Cuban embassy.
During this incident, supporters of Castro's regime brandished a poster featuring the journalist's image, accusing him of “undermining Cuba's economy,” “funding terrorism,” and allegedly receiving over $500,000 to advocate for the economic downfall of the nation.
Further allegations included claims that he was “sponsoring drug activities” and “spreading false information” with the supposed aim of portraying the Cuban state as oppressive and a violator of human rights. This verbal attack happened during a public gathering where the perpetrators loudly chanted pro-regime slogans and hurled personal insults at Nieves, who has become a prominent voice in Cuban independent journalism from exile.
Sources close to Nieves affirmed that he is safe and noted that the act of repudiation was captured on video by several attendees and later uploaded to Facebook by Nieves himself.
The incident has sparked outrage among fellow journalists, activists, and advocates for press freedom, who have condemned what they see as an attempt by the Cuban regime to extend its harassment tactics beyond its borders.
“These kinds of attacks are an extension of the hatred and repression wielded by the Cuban regime within the country, now aimed at those abroad who dare to speak out against it,” commented an independent journalist based in Mexico.
El Toque, under Nieves’ leadership, has frequently been the target of attacks and smear campaigns, often driven by accounts linked to State Security and Communist Party spokespeople, especially due to its coverage of Cuba’s informal currency market.
This aggression came just days after the media outlet publicly countered accusations from businessman Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro, who blamed El Toque for “artificially inflating” the dollar exchange rate in Cuba. In response, the editorial team dismissed these claims as part of a regime strategy to undermine independent journalism.
Understanding the Hostility Against Independent Cuban Journalists
Why was José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas targeted in Mexico?
José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas was targeted because he is a prominent figure in independent journalism, known for his criticism of the Cuban regime. Pro-regime supporters accused him of undermining Cuba's economy and spreading false information as an extension of the regime's attempt to silence dissident voices abroad.
What role does El Toque play in Cuban journalism?
El Toque is an independent media outlet led by José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas, known for its critical coverage of the Cuban government and its focus on the informal currency market in Cuba. It frequently faces attacks and smear campaigns from entities associated with the Cuban regime.
How did the international community react to the act of repudiation?
The international community, including journalists and press freedom advocates, reacted with indignation, condemning the act as an attempt by the Cuban regime to export its repressive practices beyond its borders.