ijail Barzaga was arrested on the night of March 18, 2003 by the Cuban government for publishing counter-revolutionary news and with expressing subversive thoughts against the government. He was tried on April 4th in a Havana courtroom and sentenced to 15 years in prison Reporters Sans Frontieres reported.

For the past 3 years, Barzaga had been a journalist with the Agencia Noticiosa de Cuba (ANC), a news agency. In addition, Barzaga published his work on sites such as Cubanet, Payolibre, and Cubaliberal. He also contributed to Radio Marti, a network funded by the United States. On that station, he contributed positive commentary about the United States, which is why he was charged with subversive expression. Law 88, as it is known in Cuba, provides harsh penalties for anyone who contributes to foreign magazines, radio, television, or any other form of communication that is likely to aid US policy according to Reporters Sans Frontieres.