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Luis Robles Elizástigui, known as “the young man with the sign,” was released on parole this Thursday after serving part of a five-year sentence imposed for peacefully protesting on San Rafael Boulevard in Havana.
Her release, confirmed by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) on social media X, is part of the announcement by the Cuban regime to release 553 inmates, as a result of negotiations with the Vatican and the Government of the United States.
The OCDH spoke with the mother of the political prisoner Robles, sentenced to five years of imprisonment in 2021, who reported that "they were arriving at the house."
Fabio Corchado Borroto emphasized on Facebook that Robles was released on parole and will have to comply with strict restrictions regarding his movement.
"Luis Robles Elizástigui has been released after almost 5 years of detention," reported the Cuban activist Yamilka Lafita, better known on social media as Lara Crofs, on Facebook. "She shares how he is the first political prisoner to be released before the protests on July 11," she emphasized.
Luis Robles Elizástigui, according to his mother, Yindra Elizástigui Jardines, reported to CubaNet, had been transferred to the La Lima correctional labor camp in Guanabacoa on June 3, 2024.
Previously, he was detained in the camp known as El 18, located near the El Pitirre (15-80) prison, where authorities denied him access to parole.
The young man, originally from Guantánamo, is serving a five-year sentence imposed for displaying a banner on San Rafael Boulevard in Havana, demanding an end to repression and the release of political prisoners.
He was sentenced on charges of “enemy propaganda” and “disobedience”, allegations that human rights advocates consider baseless.
Initially, Robles was admitted to the Combinado del Este, a maximum-security prison. Later, after persistent complaints from his family, he was transferred to a minimum-security facility, going through institutions such as Zona Cero and El 18 before his final transfer to La Lima.
In October, Elizástigui reported that State Security threatened her son in prison due to the public statements she makes on social media demanding the regime to release the young man.
He expressed that an agent from the political police went to the correctional labor camp "La Lima" in Guanabacoa, where Robles was detained, and warned him that there would be consequences for him if his mother did not stop speaking out.
In May 2024, Cuban authorities denied the request for parole in favor of Robles Elizástigui, despite the fact that he had been eligible for parole since April.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of Luis Robles and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Who is Luis Robles and why was he imprisoned?
Luis Robles Elizástigui is known as "the young man from the poster" and was imprisoned for peacefully protesting in Havana, demanding an end to repression and the release of political prisoners. He was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of "enemy propaganda" and "disobedience," which human rights advocates consider unfounded.
How was Luis Robles released from prison?
The release of Luis Robles is part of the negotiations between the Cuban regime, the Vatican, and the United States Government. These negotiations resulted in the announcement of the release of 553 inmates, including political prisoners like Robles, under conditional release.
What are the conditions of freedom for Luis Robles?
Luis Robles has been released on parole, which means he must adhere to strict restrictions regarding his mobility and other conditions imposed by the Cuban regime.
What role has Luis Robles' mother played in his release?
Yindra Elizástigui, mother of Luis Robles, has been a key figure in constantly denouncing the injustice of her son's imprisonment. She has used social media and other platforms to raise awareness of his case, defying the threats from the Cuban State Security.
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