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As every December 10, the day that marks Human Rights Day, the United States government called on the Cuban regime to release political prisoners.
Brian Nichols, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department, recalled on his Twitter account that around 1,000 prisoners are unjustly held in the Island's prisons, about 700 of whom participated in the peaceful demonstrations on July 11, 2021.
"Their families and the communities that depend on them continue to suffer. We will keep amplifying their voices and demanding their release," he emphasized.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana shared the message on its account.
The independent organization Prisoners Defenders reported in November that following the recent arrests related to peaceful protests that occurred this year in Cuba, the number of political prisoners rose to 1,117 in October.
Of this total, there are 120 women, 30 minors (29 boys and one girl), 653 with medical conditions, and 63 with mental health disorders.
In its report, Prisoners Defenders detailed that from November 1, 2023, to October 31 of this year, the list of Cuban political prisoners grew by 134 new inmates (an average of more than 11 each month). This means that over these 12 months, the total number of political prisoners on the list was 1,183.
For its part, the independent organization Justicia 11J revealed that the regime is holding 554 individuals in prison for participating in the protests on July 11.
In its third annual report "Another Year Without Justice," covering 2024, the group detailed that 1,586 people were arrested for protesting that day, of which 554—35%—remain in prison three years later, "with confirmed sentences following appeals extending to over 20 years of imprisonment."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
How many political prisoners are there currently in Cuba?
Currently, there are approximately 1,117 political prisoners in Cuba. This number has increased due to recent arrests related to peaceful protests. The situation of these detainees is alarming, with several reports of human rights violations.
What demands has the United States made regarding political prisoners in Cuba?
The United States has demanded the immediate release of political prisoners from the Cuban regime, particularly those detained during the protests on July 11, 2021. It has been emphasized that these detentions are unjust and that the families of the prisoners are suffering the consequences. Furthermore, a call has been made to the international community to remain attentive to the human rights situation in Cuba.
What has been the international reaction to the repression in Cuba?
The international community has expressed its concern regarding the repression in Cuba. Human rights organizations and political figures have called for an end to arbitrary detentions and the release of political prisoners on the island. Sanctions and concrete actions against the Cuban government have also been requested to push for a change in the human rights situation.
What impact did the protests of July 11, 2021, have in Cuba?
The protests on July 11, 2021, were a significant event in recent Cuban history, marked by demands for freedom and human rights. They resulted in the detention of over 1,500 people, many of whom are still imprisoned. These demonstrations highlighted the dissatisfaction of the Cuban people with the regime and their desire for democratic changes.
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