Cuba has adopted a new penal code that aims to protect the socialist system by severely punishing protests. The new rules come after the unprecedented riots in the summer of 2021.
The code was approved by parliament today and “protects the interests of the state and the people,” said Supreme Court President Ruben Remigio Ferro. It sanctions, among other things, political activities on the internet, demonstrations and foreign financing of certain activities.
The bill had only just been published in March when it was already rejected by the opposition of the communist government. “It’s a new twist in the regime’s repression of civilians,” said an organization of dissident lawyers.
The new rules come less than a year after the historic social uprisings of July 11 and 12, which left one dead and dozens injured. More than 1,300 people were arrested, many of whom were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.