Cuba’s Decree Law 370 and the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement
10.7.2020
Question for written answer E-004117/2020
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Dita Charanzová (Renew), Javier Nart (Renew), José Ramón Bauzá Díaz (Renew), Jordi Cañas (Renew)
In July 2019, Cuba adopted Decree Law 370 with the intention to ‘consolidate the use and development of ICT as an instrument for the defence of the Revolution’ (Article 5). This law has since been used to further crush the little freedom of expression available to Cubans online. The law targets journalists, bloggers and human rights activists in particular with harsh penalties. Those accused can be fined CUP 3 000, three times the average monthly salary, or face six months in prison.
By signing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA), which has at its core respect and improvement of human rights, the Cuban State is obliged to protect the freedom of expression.
- 1.Does the VP/HR agree that adopting such a law and using it to actively repress freedom of expression constitutes a violation of Cuba’s commitments to respect and promote democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are essential elements of the PDCA between the EU and Cuba?
- 2.Does he intend to call an urgent meeting, as provided for in Article 85(4) of the PDCA?
- 3.What contact has the EU had with the Cuban Government regarding this law?