The Cuban dictatorship released the opposition figure Félix Navarro this Saturday, the coordinator of the Party for Democracy Pedro Luis Boitel, who was incarcerated in Agüica prison, in Matanzas.
Meanwhile, her only daughter, Sayli Navarro Álvarez, remains in prison.
The organization Cubalex shared a video of the prominent human rights defender walking through the streets of Perico, in Matanzas, where he resides.
Navarro, 71 years old, was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment. Sayli, an independent journalist and member of the Ladies in White, is currently serving an eight-year sentence.
Both were tried for their participation in the protests of July 11 for the alleged crimes of assault, public disorder, and contempt. They suffered a violent arrest the day after the demonstrations when they went to a police station to inquire about the whereabouts of the members of their organization.
This is Navarro's third political sentence, who has been engaged in peaceful activism for democracy for over three decades. Both he and his daughter have refused on more than one occasion to accept exile in exchange for freedom, opting instead to continue the struggle within Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the release of Félix Navarro and the situation of political prisoners in Cuba
Why was Félix Navarro released from prison while his daughter Sayli remains incarcerated?
Félix Navarro was released as part of a process to free political prisoners in Cuba, following negotiations with the United States and mediation from the Vatican. However, Sayli Navarro, his daughter, remains in prison, possibly due to specific conditions that have not been clarified by Cuban authorities. Both were imprisoned for their participation in the protests on July 11.
What is Félix Navarro's history as an opposition figure in Cuba?
Félix Navarro is a prominent Cuban opposition figure with more than three decades of peaceful activism in favor of democracy. He has been sentenced three times for his activism and has turned down exile on several occasions, choosing to continue his fight from within Cuba. He is the coordinator of the Party for Democracy Pedro Luis Boitel.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba according to Amnesty International?
Amnesty International has declared several Cubans as prisoners of conscience, including Félix Navarro and his daughter Sayli. The organization has demanded their "immediate and unconditional release" and has condemned the "systematic violations of human rights" in Cuba. The repression and arbitrary detentions continue to be concerning on the island.
What role do the Ladies in White play in the opposition to the Cuban regime?
The Ladies in White are a female opposition group that fights for human rights in Cuba. Co-founded by Sayli Navarro, the movement is known for its peaceful marches demanding the release of political prisoners and has been subjected to constant repression by the Cuban regime. Berta Soler, its current leader, has also faced arbitrary arrests.
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