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People & Power
Cyber Cuba
The internet is fueling a new thirst for information among young Cubans.
Last Modified: 13 Apr 2009 07:55 GMT

Watch part two 

Strict control of the media has characterised Cuba since the communist revolutionaries took power in 1959. 

Recently, however, there has been an increased thirst for information, particularly among younger Cubans.
 
An underground network of young people have been smuggling computer memory sticks and digital cameras, accessing clandestine internet connections and spreading news the official state media would rather repress. 

Last February, IT students filmed a confrontation between them and the president of the National Assembly in which the latter was shown being grilled by the students on issues like travel restrictions and the ban on entering "only for tourists" hotels.

The video, which was passed from one person to another and stored on memory sticks, damaged the president's reputation and sparked debate and outrage among Cubans.
 
The first Cuban internet blog was started by 32-year-old Yoani Sanchez. By writing about day-to-day life in Havana in a critical but artistic way, she has ignited debate among her readers in Cuba and Cuban communities around the world. 

In a country which has been typified by a policy of total censorship since the early 1960's, this blog is a revolutionary act.

The government has neither arrested nor questioned Sanchez - are things finally beginning to change?

This episode of People & Power aired from Saturday, August 23, 2008.

Source:
Al Jazeera
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