Cuba: CFWIJ condemns the detention of Mary Karla Ares and demands her immediate release

May 5, 2021- Mary Karla Ares, a reporter for local newspaper Amanecer Habanero, was arrested by the Cuban Revolutionary Police on April 30 in Havana.  The journalist was apprehended while live-streaming a demonstration on Facebook. The protest was held in support of Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who was on a thirst and hunger strike after his artwork was confiscated by the authorities. The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) issued an alert that Mary is being prosecuted for allegedly causing public disorder. She was detained, along with ten other young individuals who were present at the protest. CFWIJ is deeply disturbed by the detention of Mary Karla Ares, and we demand her immediate release from Cuban Police authorities. 

This is not the first time Mary Karla Ares was arrested by Cuban police. The journalist was previously detained on April 19, 2021, after she tried to enter the house of artist and activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. The police threatened her with imprisonment and interrogated the journalist for nearly two hours. Mary revealed that during the questioning, she was asked about the financial matters of The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press. In a live-stream video posted on Facebook, Mary is seen recording the arrest, and towards the end, she shares the visuals from behind bars. “Juan, they are detaining me… Me and Thais and four other people. They also took Estaban.” Mary managed to forward this information to the director of Amanecer Habanero before the authorities confiscated her phone on April 30. 

According to the journalist's mother, Marisol Gonzalez, Mary did not invite confrontation. "They put her violently into the bus. According to them, we are not allowed to see her because of the COVID-19 issue. The police tell us that she is fine, but they do not permit us to talk to her", shared Marisol Gonzalez. Her father added that the family does not understand the baseless charges against Mary. He continued, claiming the police created public disorder as seen in the videos. "Police came and grabbed people by the neck, pushed them, and mistreated them publicly," said Mr. Ares. If the journalist is convicted under public disorder charges, she could face up to one year in prison.

The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) has demanded an unconditional release for Mary Karla Ares. This kind of legal harassment is often used by the regime to intimidate journalists and dissidents, ultimately suppressing press freedom and free speech. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism reiterates the appeal for Mary Karla Ares’ immediate release. The journalist should not be persecuted through legal harassment and arbitrary detention. CFWIJ demands Cuban police authorities free Mary Karla Ares and allow her to practice journalism without unnecessary interference.