Leader: President Fidel Castro, who has run a one-party state since seizing
power in a 1959 revolution
How censorship works: The Cuban constitution grants the Communist Party the
right to control the press; it recognizes "freedom of speech and the press
in accordance with the goals of the socialist society." The government owns
and controls all media outlets and restricts Internet access. News is
carried on four television channels, two news agencies, dozens of radio
stations, at least four news Web sites, and three main newspapers
representing the views of the Communist Party and other mass organizations
controlled by the government. The media operate under the supervision of the
Communist Party's Department of Revolutionary Orientation, which develops
and coordinates propaganda strategies. Cuba remains one of the world's
leading jailers of journalists, second only to China, with 24 independent
reporters behind bars. Those who try to work as independent reporters are
harassed, detained, threatened with prosecution or jail, or barred from
traveling. A small number of foreign correspondents report from Havana but
Cubans do not see their reports. Officials grant visas to foreign
journalists selectively, often excluding those from outlets deemed
unfriendly.
Lowlight: The government organizes demonstrations known as "repudiation
acts" outside the homes of independent journalists. Government supporters
congregate around the homes, intimidate those inside and prevent them from
leaving or receiving visitors.
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