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The organization Prisoners Defenders and various human rights groups have reported that the Cuban regime is holding 1,150 political prisoners, most of whom were arrested for protesting against the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel.
According to the most recent report from Prisoners Defenders, published in January 2025, the Cuban regime holds 1,150 political prisoners. This figure includes 34 minors, some of whom have been sentenced to prison terms of up to 23 years.
The organization reports a systematic denial of the penal benefits that, according to Cuban legislation, should be granted to many of these inmates.
For example, almost 60% of political prisoners should have the right to open regime, and 59% of the 688 political prisoners should already have been released. Furthermore, 100% of women and young political prisoners with no criminal record should have been released by now.
In response to international pressure and following the decision of the outgoing administration of the United States, Joe Biden, to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, the Cuban government announced the release of 553 prisoners.
Prisoners Defenders also points out that, although the Cuban government announced the release of 553 people in January 2025, by February 4, only 200 releases had been confirmed. Of these, 94% were already eligible for open regime, indicating that the regime has systematically denied these penitentiary benefits for years.
However, organizations like the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) have criticized this measure as being "too generic" and have demanded that it include all those detained for political reasons.
The organization emphasizes that these releases do not represent a total liberation, as the prisoners remain under restrictive conditions and threats of revocation of their parole. This situation reflects a strategy by the regime to improve its international image without making significant changes to its repressive policies.
By the end of 2024, Prisoners Defenders raised the number of political prisoners in Cuba to 1,161.
In 2024, the list of political prisoners in Cuba reached a total of 166 (an average of 14 new ones each month). This means that from January 1 to December 31, a total of 1,219 political prisoners were on the list.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
How many political prisoners are there currently in Cuba?
Currently, the Cuban regime holds 1,150 political prisoners, according to the latest report from Prisoners Defenders. This figure includes 34 minors, some of whom face sentences of up to 23 years in prison.
What measures has the Cuban regime taken regarding the release of political prisoners?
The Cuban regime announced the release of 553 prisoners, but as of February 4, only 200 releases have been confirmed. The majority of those released were already entitled to open regime status, indicating a systematic denial of penitentiary benefits. The releases do not mean total freedom, as the released individuals are under restrictive conditions and threats of revocation of their parole.
What has been the international reaction to the actions of the Cuban regime?
The international community has harshly criticized the Cuban regime for its repressive policies. Human rights organizations, such as the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights and Prisoners Defenders, have denounced the lack of transparency and the manipulation of release figures. The United States has demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners, especially those detained during the protests on July 11, 2021.
How does the situation of political prisoners affect Cuba's international relations?
The situation of political prisoners in Cuba has had a significant impact on its international relations. The Biden administration's decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism was contingent upon the release of a "significant number of political prisoners." However, with the policy shift under the Trump administration, which reinstated Cuba on that list, the process of releasing prisoners has stalled, further complicating diplomatic relations.
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