A Cuban journalist is continuing his hunger strike in protest against the lack of free access to the Internet which he started in late January.
This week, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the OAS said it has been informed of the critical state of health of the director of the Cubanacán Press news agency, Mr. Guillermo Fariñas. He has been on hunger strike since January 31.
As emphasised by the Office of the Special Rapporteur, access to the Internet can strengthen democratic systems, contribute to economic development in the countries of the region, and uphold the full exercise of freedom of expression.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur said it has observed with concern that "the Cuban legal system severely restricts the population's access to the Internet". Cuba has established a number of limitations to the capacity of receiving and imparting information through the Internet, "which are incompatible with the right to freedom of expression".
The Special Rapporteur has called on Cuba to abandon restrictions on Internet access from its legislation.
