The Cuban government released Protestant pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo, who had been imprisoned since the protests on July 11, 2021, in Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba.
According to a report by Martí Noticias, he is now under probation, supervised by the municipal court and "subject to the obligations established by law," such as work activities and other penalties.
"It has been very difficult days, very long days, sad days, and also very complicated. Even until the last moment, it has been very tense," he declared after being released from prison.
"We are not satisfied with what is happening because it was truly my turn. They have given me nothing more than what was due to me, but well, we thank God because now I will be able to serve God and also here in the community and the nation. So, please pray for me so that I can continue giving my best," he requested.
Rosales Fajardo, a Protestant pastor of the Church of Mount Zion in Palma Sariano, was sentenced to seven years in prison for alleged crimes of assault, incitement to commit a crime, and contempt.
The regime accused him of participating in a violent attack against law enforcement officers, attempting to force his way into the headquarters of the Communist Party, and injuring seven officers and a civilian, which he has always denied.
He was violently arrested by police and members of the feared Black Berets on the day of the national uprising. He was initially held in the Boniato Maximum Security Prison and later transferred to a lower-security facility.
Anna Lee Stangl, director of policy advocacy for Christian Solidarity International, expressed her satisfaction with the release of the pastor and Donaida Pérez Paseiro, president of the Association of Free Yorubas of Cuba, and called for the immediate release of Loreto Hernández García, Donaida's husband.
"They have suffered abusive treatment and have been forcibly separated from their spouses and children since July 2021," stated the communiqué.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why was Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo imprisoned in Cuba?
Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo was imprisoned after participating in the peaceful protests on July 11, 2021, in Cuba. He was sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of "contempt and public disorder." Human rights organizations have denounced these charges as part of an attempt by the Cuban regime to stifle dissent.
Under what conditions has Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo been released?
Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo has been released under a parole system. He is under supervision from the municipal court and subject to legal obligations, such as work activities and other sanctions. This means that, although he is out of prison, he remains under the oversight and control of the Cuban judicial system.
What actions has the international community taken regarding political prisoners in Cuba?
The international community has expressed its concern over the situation of political prisoners in Cuba. The British government, for example, has voiced its solidarity with Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo and has called for the release of all political prisoners on the island. In addition, organizations such as Amnesty International have demanded the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to international demands for the release of political prisoners?
The Cuban regime has begun to release some political prisoners under special conditions, as a result of international negotiations. Recently, the release of 553 political prisoners was announced following agreements with the United States and the Vatican. However, these releases are not complete, as the freed individuals remain under surveillance and have outstanding legal commitments.
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