Henry Constantin, an independent journalist and the director of La Hora de Cuba, has been missing since Wednesday afternoon in Havana after a major security operation was launched in the city.
According to an urgent post on La Hora de Cuba's Facebook page, Constantin last communicated with his team members around 6:50 p.m. yesterday while he was at his home. He had previously warned his colleagues about connectivity issues.
On Thursday morning, when newsroom colleagues visited his residence, they discovered both the door and the gate open, with no sign of the journalist inside. His mobile phone remains either turned off or out of service range, and a State Security agent continues to monitor the entrance to his building.
The disappearance takes place amid heightened tensions in the Cuban capital, where a large-scale operation has been underway since early morning by the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), and State Security (SE).
Traffic has been rerouted from several major avenues, from Boyeros to 23rd Street, due to the arrival of the remains of Cuban officers who died in Venezuela during the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro.
The team at La Hora de Cuba has held the Cuban regime accountable for the safety and physical well-being of their director, demanding immediate information on his whereabouts.
Constantin, known for his critical reporting and his advocacy for press freedom on the island, has faced multiple detentions and threats from authorities in the past.
Henry Constantin's Disappearance and Cuban Security Operations
Who is Henry Constantin?
Henry Constantin is an independent journalist and the director of La Hora de Cuba, known for his critical stance and defense of press freedom in Cuba.
What was the reason for the security operation in Havana?
The large-scale security operation in Havana was related to the arrival of the remains of Cuban officers who died in Venezuela during the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
What actions have been taken by La Hora de Cuba in response to Constantin's disappearance?
La Hora de Cuba has held the Cuban government responsible for Constantin's safety, demanding immediate information about his whereabouts.