Singer criticizes Carcassés Robertico live Cuban regime ... - The Miami Herald

HAVANA

– It was a day that called on Cubans to speak with one voice to demand the return of intelligence agents who are serving long sentences in the United USA.

Then, in a nationally televised concert outside the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana, a prominent musician sang, not only on the so-called Five of Cuba, but also on his desire for greater freedom of information and election by direct vote for president.

It has long

artists, writers and musicians have a certain margin of freedom to speak critically about the island’s communist system. But the letter unusually bold Carcassés Robertico song in pro-government rally were the talk of all on Friday.

Carcasses, 41, director of combo jazz fusion music Interactive sang about his desire to “free access to information I have my own opinion …” “I want to elect a president by direct vote and not by other means, “he continued.

“Neither militants nor dissident Cubans [are] all the same rights”.

“runs the blockade,” he added, referring to 51-year economic embargo against Cuba Washington, “and the self-locking.”

Then, more in keeping with the theme of the event, he gestured toward the U.S. Interests Section backstage and said, “Free the Cuban Five!”

“When I heard the first line, I thought, ‘Did I hear well or heard wrong?’ ?” said Ferran Diego, a retired 68 year old who saw the concert on TV.

“I was surprised that this was happening on TV … I got grace in the way he did, where he said it, straight on in front of the U.S. Interests Section,” Ferran said. “You are quite right in everything he said.”

A person who answered the phone Friday Carcassés home said he was out, and calls to his cell phone went unanswered.

lyrics of his song referred to the authorities’ control over many aspects of life on the island.

state and Communist Party control almost all media outlets in the island, and the Internet access rate is very low, but is increasing gradually.

The Communist Party is the only one allowed in Cuba, but need not be a member to stand for election. The president is not elected by direct popular vote, but by the National Assembly, which in turn is elected by a ballot with only one candidate for each seat approved. Cuba defends its political system more participatory and democratic than most others.

Other prominent musicians have tested the limits of what is allowed to say.

legendary singer Pablo Milanes has given interviews in which he criticized the protests against government groups like the Damas de Blanco, officially protests are encouraged by the government.

songwriter Silvio Rodríguez has also suggested that you should respect the freedom of expression of dissent, even when not share your views.