Havana – A Cuban proverb states, “All the birds in the forest eat rice, but the totí is always to blame.” The Cuban government, according to reports, has similarly identified a scapegoat for its economic woes, repeatedly featured in state media.
That “bird” is El Toque, an independent news outlet, and its editor-in-chief, José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas. The official narrative portrays Nieves as responsible for much of the island’s hardship and accuses him of “economic terrorism.”
Born in Cienfuegos in 1987, Nieves is currently exiled in the United States. He became editor of El Toque in 2017, initially gaining prominence by publishing informal exchange rates – a crucial data point for millions of Cubans tracking the erosion of their salaries and pensions due to soaring inflation.
As El Toque’s credibility grew, surpassing that of the government’s optimistic reports, authorities reportedly opted for a different explanation: a journalist and his website bear significant responsibility for inflation and high prices.
Economist Pável Vidal suggests the government’s focus on attacking El Toque, and operations against those involved in informal remittance exchanges, may be linked to paving the way for a “floating” official exchange rate – one that ultimately mirrored the rates reported by the independent outlet.
Regardless, El Toque has transitioned from an inconvenient news source to the primary target of state propaganda.
The official campaign against El Toque escalated in 2024 and solidified in 2025 with official statements accusing the outlet of “manipulating” the currency market and being part of a Washington-funded plot to destabilize the Cuban economy. Accusations included “currency trafficking,” “tax evasion,” and “economic terrorism,” framing Nieves as the mastermind of a conspiracy to funnel funds to recipients of U.S. programs.
While the government intensified its smear campaign, reactions within Cuba were divided, with some viewing it as a character assassination and others believing the official narrative.
Organizations like the Inter-American Press Association have denounced the defamation, threats, and pressure against the El Toque team as part of a “systematic pattern of persecution” of Cuban journalists.
Prior to leaving Cuba, Nieves faced pressure on those around him. In exile, threats have increased, with state security reportedly publishing his and his family’s personal information. A protest against him was organized in Mexico by regime supporters. Nieves and his team have received public threats of extradition and imprisonment from pro-government media. Despite this, Nieves remains defiant, stating, “We will continue to do what bothers them so much, and which are our tools for building the desired democracy: rigorous journalism, public service, and counter-propaganda.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Toque?
El Toque is an independent news outlet founded in 2017 by José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas. It gained prominence by publishing the price of currencies on the informal market.
What accusations has the Cuban government made against José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas?
The Cuban government has accused José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas of “economic terrorism,” “manipulating” the currency market, and being part of a plot funded by Washington to destabilize the Cuban economy.
How has the situation for Nieves and his team changed since 2024?
Since 2024, the government’s campaign against El Toque has intensified, with official statements and threats against Nieves and his team, even extending to his family and including threats of extradition and imprisonment.
Given the escalating pressure and the government’s continued campaign, it is likely that El Toque will continue to face challenges in its reporting and operations. The situation could potentially lead to increased restrictions on independent media within Cuba, or further attempts to discredit and silence dissenting voices.
