Decree 349 is a 2018
Cuban law
The substantive and procedural laws of Cuba were based on Spanish Civil laws and influenced by the principles of Marxism-Leninism after that philosophy became the government's guiding force. Cuba's most recent Constitution was enacted in 2019 ...
requiring artists to obtain advance permission for public and private exhibitions and performances.
The law was first proposed April 20, 2018 by Cuban president
Miguel Díaz-Canel
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (; born 20 April 1960) is a Cuban politician and engineer. He has served as the 8th First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba since 2021 and as the 17th president o ...
, and was published in the Gaceta de Cuba on July 10.
The law gives the government the right to shut down art and book sales, exhibitions, concerts and performances that contain prohibited content.
In particular, the law bans art that contains “sexist, vulgar and obscene language” and art using “national symbols” to “contravene current legislation.”
Government inspectors fine those breaking the law, and confiscate artwork that contravenes the law.
Artists are also restricted from selling artwork without government approval.
The law went into effect on December 7, 2018.
A group of artists named the
San Isidro Movement formed in September 2018 to protest the law.
References
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Censorship in Cuba
Law of Cuba