A small victory for common sense in Cuba: Cuban punk rocker Gorki Aguila, lead singer of Porno para Ricardo, charged with “social dangerousness” because of his songs denouncing and deriding the government, was released with a $28 fine after calling upon his fans to hold a public protest. Facing up to four years in prison…
Showing all posts tagged Fidel Castro
Not trusting its own citizens
I discuss in my new book, The Blogging Revolution, about the political and social realities in Cuba, and gradual liberalisation of the country under new President Raul Castro. And then this: Cuba has ordered jailed punk rocker Gorki Aguila, an outspoken critic of Fidel Castro and the communist government, to stand trial on Friday for…
The Blogging Revolution lands
My following essay appears in today’s Weekend Australian newspaper: The young online tribe is more interested in discussing sex, drugs and rock’n’roll than political revolution, writes Antony Loewenstein Early last month, some Iranian members of parliament voted to debate a draft bill that aimed to “toughen punishment for disturbing mental security in society” by adding…
Challenging Washington’s rules
Fidel’s Heir: The rising influence of Hugo Chávez. A New Yorker essay by Jon Lee Anderson, recent visitor to the Sydney Writer’s Festival.
Welcome home, murderer
How the US government welcomes an anti-Castro terrorist into its midst. After all, it’s only terrorism when “they” do it to “us”.
Freedom stillborn on the island
Cuba’s Long Black Spring. A special report by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Raul opens the market
Cuba is seemingly changing after decades of state repression (small steps, perhaps, but an encouraging start): The Cuban president, Raúl Castro, today lifted restrictions on ownership of mobile phones. Castro’s move was another indication that he is prepared to grant more freedom to the island’s residents. The right to own mobile phones had been restricted…
www.censorship.com
My following article appears in today’s ABC Unleashed: Fidel Castro controlled Cuba for nearly half a century. His rule was defined by defiance and dictatorship, brutal repression against dissidents and the management of an immoral American embargo. Free speech has always been the Achilles’ heel of the regime. During my visit to the island last…
Life beyond Fidel
Cuba is changing and for the better: Cuba has eased restrictions on the sale of computers, DVD players and other electrical goods, in the first sign of economic liberalisation since Fidel Castro retired last month. The appliances will go on sale immediately and be available to anybody who can pay…