Critical Editorial Letter Is Outlet For Discontented
This renewed rowdy appearance of the Cuban police against those who think differently politically stands in opposition to the new signals being sent by the regime. After General Raul Castro recently allowed the purchase of Computers, Microwave ovens, and cell phones, a concession which is only meaningful to a small number of financially well off Cubans, he has granted a further improvement. Once a week, critical editorials appear in the only daily newspaper “Granma,” edited by and central organ of the Communist party. In these editorials Cubans complain about corruption, the economic model, and low salaries.
“It is self evident that in these restricted critiques- a complete repudiation of Communism is not desired,” stated the ISHR. The editorials serve simply as an outlet for pre-approved critique. No truly uncensored complaints against the system are allowed. Of course this is a good first step in the course towards the freedom to express ideas; the question remains whether these concessions are serving as a skilful maneuver to quiet European observers. Through such accommodations, the Castro brothers could further their success in appeasing the international community and in unfreezing their frozen assets. But while politically different thinkers are imprisoned for a peaceful gathering, no actual improvement can be discussed, says the ISHR.