On Friday, independent journalist Camila Acosta, who serves as a correspondent for the Spanish newspaper ABC in Havana, reported the presence of a police patrol and a State Security agent near her residence, effectively preventing her from leaving her home.
"This marks the third time this week that I've been under surveillance," Acosta stated on her Facebook profile.
In an earlier post, she highlighted the "arbitrary police surveillance" at her house, suggesting that the intention was to prevent her attendance at a mass in Havana’s Cathedral commemorating the anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election.
The operation comes weeks after Acosta published a significant investigation on April 13 about the neglect of human remains at the Colón Cemetery, where she detailed the presence of "skulls, clothing, and even personal belongings of numerous individuals" left piled up as debris.
Just days prior to that report, on March 20, Acosta met with Mike Hammer, the U.S. chief of mission in Cuba, who publicly praised the courage of independent Cuban journalists.
"I am always impressed by the bravery of independent journalists in Cuba who strive to report the true reality on the island," remarked the diplomat.
The oppressive pattern against Acosta is well-documented. In September 2025, she reported two consecutive days of surveillance by G2 agents outside her home, sharing their photographs.
"These are the two G2 officers monitoring my home. The one in the white shirt is very young, likely no older than 22, an aspiring henchman eager to stand out," she noted at the time.
In May of the same year, the regime intensified its watch over the journalist with six individuals positioned outside her residence, including uniformed officers and members of the "Las Marianas" group, tasked with repressing female dissidents.
In July, State Security agents attempted to intercept the U.S. Embassy vehicle Acosta was traveling in, to prevent her from attending the July 4th reception.
On May 4, just a day before the latest operation, Acosta described the situation on the island in an interview with Cadena 3 Argentina.
"Cubans are desperate as they lack water, food, and suffer long hours without electricity," she said, also mentioning the presence of over 1,000 political prisoners in Cuba.
Independent organizations have documented five assaults against Acosta in 2024 and four in the early months of 2025, including arbitrary detentions, surveillance, travel bans, and information blockades, making her case one of the most documented instances of systematic repression against the independent press in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Camila Acosta's Situation
Why is Camila Acosta under surveillance by Cuban authorities?
Camila Acosta is under surveillance due to her work as an independent journalist exposing sensitive issues, such as the neglect of human remains at Colón Cemetery, which challenges the Cuban government's narrative.
What previous incidents of harassment has Camila Acosta faced?
Acosta has faced numerous incidents of harassment, including arbitrary detentions, surveillance, travel restrictions, and information blockades, emphasizing the ongoing repression of independent journalism in Cuba.
How has the international community responded to Acosta's situation?
International figures, such as U.S. chief of mission Mike Hammer, have publicly acknowledged and praised the courage of independent journalists like Acosta, highlighting the international concern over press freedom in Cuba.