VOICED: Cuba's neighborhood watches: 50 years of eyes, ears

Cuba's Committees in Defense of the Revolution, established after Fidel Castro's rise, are a network of citizens defending revolutionary ideals. They organize rallies and report on neighbors, acting as a surveillance tool for the Communist Party. While some members, like Francisca, express loyalty, others criticize the committees as a spy network violating citizens' rights. With over half of Cuba's adult population involved, this model has influenced countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Ecuador.

Who is Francisca and what role does she play in her local committee?

In what ways have the committees been described as a political model for other countries?