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Luis Robles Elizástigui, known as "the young man from the banner," expressed his gratitude this Thursday to those who fought for his freedom with a brief but meaningful message.
In his Facebook account, Robles expressed: "Thank you to everyone who prayed for this moment to arrive."
The message arrives hours after Robles was released on parole after nearly completing a five-year sentence imposed in 2021 for peacefully demonstrating on San Rafael Boulevard in Havana.
Her release was confirmed by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) via the social network X, and is part of the process announced by the Cuban regime to free 553 prisoners following negotiations with the Vatican and the Government of the United States.
According to statements from Robles' mother to the OCDH, the political prisoner has already returned home, marking the end of his time in prison, although under conditions of parole that restrict his movement and activities.
The case of Robles, arrested for holding a sign demanding an end to repression and the release of political prisoners, became a symbol of the struggle for freedom of expression in Cuba.
This brief message of gratitude, released after his release from prison, reflects not only Robles' personal relief but also acknowledges those who tirelessly advocated for his freedom.
Robles, according to information provided by his mother, Yindra Elizástigui Jardines 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 prison (15-80), where the authorities denied him access to parole.
The young man, originally from Guantánamo, is serving a five-year sentence imposed for displaying a poster on the Boulevard de San Rafael in Havana, demanding an end to repression and the release of political prisoners.
He was sentenced on charges of "enemy propaganda" and "disobedience", accusations that human rights defenders consider unfounded.
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 establishments like 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 her public statements on social media demanding the regime to release the young man.
He stated 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, the Cuban authorities denied the parole application on behalf of Robles Elizástigui, even though he had been eligible for parole since April.
Frequently asked questions about the release of Luis Robles and the human rights situation in Cuba
Why was Luis Robles imprisoned in Cuba?
Luis Robles was imprisoned for peacefully protesting on San Rafael Boulevard in Havana, holding a sign that called for an end to repression and the release of political prisoners. He was charged with "enemy propaganda" and "disobedience," charges that human rights advocates consider baseless.
What is the current situation of Luis Robles after his release?
Luis Robles was released on parole after serving almost five years of his sentence. This parole entails restrictions on his movement and activities, although he is now home with his family.
What role did international negotiations play in the release of Luis Robles?
The release of Luis Robles is part of an agreement between the Cuban regime, the Vatican, and the Government of the United States that involves the release of 553 prisoners. This agreement was facilitated by the mediation of the Catholic Church and is part of an effort to improve diplomatic relations.
What is the position of international organizations on the human rights situation in Cuba?
Organizations such as Amnesty International and the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights have denounced the situation of political prisoners in Cuba. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of all political prisoners and has declared several of them as prisoners of conscience, including Luis Robles.
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