EFE could leave Cuba "within weeks"

For almost a half-century, the EFE news agency in Spain has reported from Cuba, covering everything from President Barack Obama's historic visit to the death of Fidel Castro.

But it appears that its independent coverage could soon end in one of the most censored societies in the world.

EFE's president told VOA that the network is considering leaving the island "within weeks," citing visa delays and restrictions imposed on staff since protests last year.

“We don't want to leave Cuba. The problem is that they are kicking us out of Cuba. We only have two accredited journalists there and one of these has to renew their visa every month,” said Gabriela Cañas, during a phone call in Madrid.

“We are not going to leave out of our own choice. We are the international media which reports the most from Cuba. The [Cuban government] wants to force us out,” she said, adding that EFE would have to decide its future “within weeks.”

The news agency hopes the new Cuban ambassador to Madrid, Marcelino Medina, will act as an intermediary.

There are usually seven journalists reporting from Havana for EFE news agency, but only two of them have permission to work there currently.

Three editors, a camera operator, and a photographer had their credentials revoked by Havana in November. No reasons were given for the revocation.

A few days prior to the Civic March for Change, EFE had covered protests and the call for greater civil rights being made by dissident groups. Havana banned the march.

Its actions against EFE prompted complaints from the Spanish government and criticism from the international community. As a result, Havana restored credentials for one editor and one photographer.

Despite having submitted a visa application in July, the agency's new bureau chief has not yet been granted one.

* This article contains information sourced from VOA.