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The 15-year prison sentence against 24-year-old Cuban political prisoner Mayelín Rodríguez Prado, for live-streaming anti-government protests that took place in Nuevitas, Camagüey, in August 2022, has recently been upheld by the island's courts.
This information was disclosed by the independent organization Cubalex and shared by the feminist platform Alas Tensas.
Rodríguez Prado is currently incarcerated in the Provincial Women’s Prison of Camagüey, known as Granja 5, where she has reported inhumane and degrading conditions for the inmates.
The young woman was arrested on August 22, 2022, at her home after recording and spreading images of two girls who were beaten by the repressive forces during the neighborhood protests that summer. Following her arrest, she was held incommunicado at the State Security headquarters in Villa María Luisa.
The authorities initially charged her with "public disorder," although the charges were later expanded to include "continued enemy propaganda" and "sedition," resulting in a joint sentence of 15 years of imprisonment.
During his detention, Rodríguez Prado's home was searched twice by the State Security in search of evidence linking him to criminal activities.
Human rights organizations, such as Cubalex and Justicia 11J, have demanded her immediate release, labeling her a political prisoner and a prisoner of conscience. The U.S. government has also condemned her arrest and called for her release.
Alas Tensas reported that Mayelín has been threatened with being sent to a punishment cell for protesting against the confirmation of her sentence.
The case of Mayelín Rodríguez Prado has become emblematic in the denunciation of the repression exercised by the Cuban regime against those who document and disseminate information about protests and human rights violations on the island.
Her situation reflects the increasing criminalization of digital activities and the lack of freedom of expression in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why was Mayelín Rodríguez Prado sentenced to 15 years in prison?
Mayelín Rodríguez Prado was sentenced to 15 years in prison for livestreaming peaceful, anti-government demonstrations in Nuevitas, Camagüey, in 2022. Authorities accused her of "public disorder," "continued enemy propaganda," and "sedition." This sentencing highlights the Cuban regime's repression against those who document and disseminate information about protests.
What conditions does Mayelín Rodríguez Prado face in prison?
Mayelín Rodríguez Prado has reported inhuman and degrading conditions at the Camagüey Provincial Women's Prison, known as Granja 5. She has been threatened with being sent to a punishment cell for protesting against the confirmation of her sentence, highlighting the difficult circumstances faced by political prisoners in Cuba.
How has the international community responded to the case of Mayelín Rodríguez Prado?
Human rights organizations such as Cubalex and Justicia 11J have demanded the immediate release of Mayelín Rodríguez Prado, considering her a political prisoner and a prisoner of conscience. Additionally, the United States government has condemned her arrest and called for her release, highlighting the international attention on her case and the repression in Cuba.
What is the situation of political prisoners in Cuba in 2024?
Throughout 2024, at least 10 Cuban political prisoners have attempted to take their own lives due to the inhumane conditions and repression they endure in prisons. The platform Justicia 11J and other organizations have reported these cases and called for the release of political prisoners, highlighting the daily risks they face under the Cuban regime.
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