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Several human rights organizations, both Cuban and international, have questioned the recent process of releasing prisoners in Cuba, stating that it has been "opaque, incomplete, unjust, and fraudulent."
The organizations published several reports after the Cuban authorities announced the completion of the release process for 553 individuals "sentenced for various crimes," just under two months after Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this measure was part of an agreement with the Vatican.
Prisoners Defenders (PD) pointed out that "the Cuban regime announced the 'gradual release' through 'prison benefits' for 553 inmates"; however, in reality, "none were actually released."
It is argued that only "230 political prisoners have been released under the draconian conditions of a 'house-arrest regime'" and "323 out of the 553 released are common criminals that the regime attempted to pass off as political prisoners." Additionally, "this fraud was confirmed by a thorough study which also demonstrated that more than 85% of the 230 political prisoners released already had the right to an open regime."
Of them, 183 citizens were participants in peaceful protests, 41 human rights activists, and six artists. No independent journalists have been released, as detailed by PD.
The NGO Amnesty International (AI) described the process as "fraught with irregularities," noting that it lacked "state transparency" and does not guarantee that those released "will not be subject to new arrests." The regime itself has threatened on national television to re-arrest them if they do not "comply with the conditions of their release."
For its part, Human Rights Watch (HRW) described it as "opaque, arbitrary, and unfair," while the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) accused the island's government of attempting to "deceive the international community" with a measure that it deemed "incomplete and unjust."
The platform Justicia 11J highlighted the "lack of transparency," "opacity," and "arbitrariness" in the selection of the beneficiaries, arguing that the process does not represent a "real advancement in human rights, but rather a political manipulation tactic."
One of the main criticisms of NGOs is that most of those released are common prisoners and not detainees for political reasons, as PD argued.
When Washington announced the exclusion of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, it mentioned that this decision was linked to an agreement—mediated by the Vatican—whereby Havana would release numerous political prisoners jailed after the protests of July 11, 2021. However, organizations claim that the release of dissidents and protesters from July 11, 2021, has been limited.
In February, organizations reported seven new political prisoners on the island, bringing the total to 1150.
Frequently asked questions about the release of political prisoners in Cuba
What irregularities have been reported in the process of releasing political prisoners in Cuba?
The process has been described as "opaque, incomplete, unfair, and fraudulent" by various human rights organizations. They denounce that the regime mixed political prisoners with common criminals and that many of the released individuals had long been entitled to freedom or an open regime. Furthermore, the releases have taken place under a "prison-house arrest" regime with severe restrictions.
How many political prisoners are currently in Cuba?
According to Prisoners Defenders, there are currently 1,150 political prisoners in Cuba, many of whom are detained for participating in the protests on July 11, 2021. Recent releases have not resulted in a significant reduction of this number.
What conditions do the released political prisoners face in Cuba?
The released political prisoners are under a "prison-home regime", which implies severe restrictions such as a ban on leaving their cities, limitations on public expression, and the obligation to regularly report to the authorities. This does not constitute full freedom, and they could be re-incarcerated if they do not comply with the imposed conditions.
What role has the Vatican played in the process of releasing prisoners in Cuba?
The Vatican has mediated in negotiations for the release of prisoners in Cuba, which was presented as a "gesture of hope" by Pope Francis. However, human rights organizations criticize that the process lacks transparency and has not released all political prisoners as initially expected.
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