tch 156) State security agents harassed family members when pressure on independent journalists was not successful in forcing them to abandon their work or their country. (Human Rights Watch 156) On July 17 1999, a police officer threatened to arrest Merino Cabrera, a member of the Human Rights Workers' Party, for dangerousness and warned him against continuing his activities. (Human Rights Watch 154) A few days later, on July 27, Cabrera found a cardboard coffin on his front door with the words: Rest in Peace. (Human Rights Watch 155) Cuban authorities treat people that participate in non-violent activities such as meeting to discuss the economy or elections, writing a letter to the government, reporting on political or economic developments or advocating for political prisoners, as criminals. Cuban courts continue to and imprison independent journalist and others for the peaceful expression of their views. The denial of basic and civil human rights is written into Cuban law. And there is barely a voice audible to allow the world to know and understand the plight the Cuban people face every day. Independent journalist in Cuba risks their lives to raise the voice that is barely heard. To the rest of the world they are heroes with brave and noble intentions. To the Cuban government, they are the enemy. Media is the used around the world for the central purpose of sending and receiving information. To study the media in a country such as Cuba, you must consider the political, social and the cultural ideologies of the country. While most of the world is free flowing with information using mediums such as radio, television, the press and the Internet, Cuban people are exempted. The content within these mediums, reflect the ideologies of the Cuban government and also maintain a sense of nationalism. Information that reflects different ideologies of the Cuban government is not permitted on the island and is considered illegal. It is dangerous...
