The Cuban government has a long history of intimidating independent intellectuals, including artists, writers, academics, and journalists. In April 2018, confrontations between the government and intellectuals intensified with the passing of Decree 349, a law restricting the freedom of expression of artists and requiring them to obtain permission from the government for performing in both public and private spaces. A collective of artists, journalists, and academics, known as San Isidro Movement, was founded in Havana in September 2018 to protest the law. Since then, numerous intellectuals have been harassed, arrested, imprisoned, or expelled from Cuba because of their dissenting political beliefs and activities. 

This panel discussion will gather several threatened Cuban artists and writers who have received a Mellon Fellowship to continue their work at Florida International University. The participants will share and discuss their experiences with state repression and persecution in Cuba. 

This event is free and open to the public. It will be held in Spanish. It is made possible with partial support from the Mellon Foundation. Registration is required. To register your attendance please email cri@fiu.edu or call (305)348-1991.