Cuba’s brutal socialist regime signed into-law this week a severe crackdown on the country’s artistic and music community; imposing stiff guidelines and state approval for everything from “art galleries” to “music festivals.”
The law -titled Decree 349- was officially introduced by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel after facing stiff opposition from artists and political activists across the country. The new rules severely limit visual artists, hip-hop musicians, public performances, and more.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the decree prohibits the sale, distribution, and display of artwork not expressly “approved by the state.”
“The decree aims for absolute control, you can’t exhibit your work anywhere without prior authorization,” said one artist.
“The purpose of the decree is to regulate a new world: private businesses, art galleries, people working from their homes,” added another.
Read the full report at the Wall Street Journal.
CUBAN CRISIS: New Video Surfaces of Cubans ‘Waiting Hours’ for a Single Loaf of Bread
Stunning new footage emerged from Cuba this week that highlighted the socialist regime’s escalating struggle to feed its citizens; showing residents waiting hours for a single loaf of bread at local bakeries.
“Cubans line up at bakeries across Havana, waiting hours for a loaf of bread, a basic good that has become hard to find after some important mills broke down on the island resulting in a shortage of flour,” writes the AFP.
VIDEO: Cubans line up at bakeries across Havana, waiting hours for a loaf of bread, a basic good that has become hard to find after some important mills broke down on the island resulting in a shortage of flour pic.twitter.com/VUaEp09ylN
— AFP news agency (@AFP) December 15, 2018
“I came here no foot. I’m already old so imagine if I don’t eat. I have to eat something,” said one hungry woman.
Watch the shocking video above.
PARADISE LOST: Inflation Nears 1,000,000% in Venezuela, Eggs Cost 2 WEEKS PAY
The economic crisis engulfing Venezuela reached new heights this week, with the nation’s currency seeing inflation rates nearing 1,000,000% as the socialist government struggles to contain the economic collapse.
According to the Washington Post, the Venezuelan Bolivar plunged in foreign exchange rates as the price of a dozen eggs reached 2,600,000 Bolivares in local supermarkets and shops.
“This week, for instance, the price of a dozen eggs topped 2.6 million bolívares — equal to two weeks’ pay at the minimum wage. But for a Venezuelan who can exchange dollars at the black market rate, those same eggs are a relative bargain, costing only 60 cents,” writes the Post.
“I never feel clean anymore,” said one citizen. “We’re hungry most of the time. I don’t think things will get better.”
Just this week, socialist president Nicolas Maduro admitted his government’s economic policies have totally “failed,” vowing to implement new guidelines to stabilize the crumbling currency.
Read the full report here.