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The Cuban regime released Katia Beirut this Wednesday, an oncology patient sentenced for participating in the protests of July 11 in the Güinera neighborhood of Havana.
Katia, 39 years old, was released on probation with several restrictions, as reported on Facebook by Salomé García Bacallao.
"His father, Fredy Beirut, 66 years old and suffering from several chronic illnesses, is still in prison, where he is being denied access to his medications, after being informed last year of his imminent release," he specified.
Both were tried for the crime of sedition and initially sentenced to 20 years in prison. After filing an appeal, the sentence was reduced to 10 years for her and to nine for her father.
Katia, mother of two, was one of the first political prisoners from the 11J who were released this Wednesday, following negotiations between the regime and the United States, with mediation from the Vatican. However, there is no information regarding her father, who is 67 years old, one of the oldest people imprisoned due to the protests.
In September 2022, Katia's mother sought help for her daughter after her son-in-law visited her in prison and found her "unwell, with a high fever" and bruises all over her body, as a sign that she had been losing platelets for several days, following months of health issues.
Political prisoners Fredi Beirut and his daughter witnessed the murder of Diubis Laurencio, the only officially recognized fatality by the Cuban authorities as a result of the repression during the protests in July. He was shot in the back by the police.
"The greatest crime is that they witnessed how the Police killed Laurencio. A black man from an marginalized neighborhood who was unarmed and shot at. The military Prosecutor's Office claims it was in self-defense. The videos of his death show that the only thing he had in his hand was a cellphone. Fredi and Katia were direct witnesses and are paying the price for it," denounced independent journalist Claudia Padrón Cueto, referencing a previous post by a family member.
Frequently asked questions about the release of Katia Beirut and repression in Cuba
Why was Katia Beirut released?
Katia Beirut was released on parole as a result of negotiations between the Cuban regime, the United States, and with the mediation of the Vatican. Her release is part of a series of pardons that have occurred in an attempt by the Cuban regime to improve its international image.
What is the current situation of the 11J political prisoners in Cuba?
Currently, more than 550 protesters from the 11J remain imprisoned in Cuba. The Cuban regime maintains a policy of systematic repression and has denied many of them prison benefits, including parole and extrapenal licenses. The release of some prisoners, such as Katia Beirut, is an isolated incident in a context of ongoing repression.
What difficulties does Fredy Beirut, Katia's father, face in prison?
Fredy Beirut, 66 years old and with chronic health issues, remains imprisoned and faces denial of access to his medications. Despite promises of imminent release, he continues to be incarcerated, highlighting the inhumane treatment and lack of adequate medical care for political prisoners in Cuba.
What actions has the international community taken regarding the prisoners of July 11th?
Organizations such as Amnesty International and Justice 11J have denounced the conditions of political prisoners and demanded their immediate release. The international community has pressured the Cuban regime to respect human rights and free the unjustly imprisoned protesters, although specific actions have been limited.
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