Different organizations from the Cuban diaspora and human rights activists have called for a global day of protests to demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
The demonstrations are scheduled to take place in several cities on March 28, in response to the critical situation faced by political prisoners on the island.
The curator and activist Anamely Ramos González announced the initiative through her social media, in various parts of the world.
The first of these demonstrations will take place in Miami, where a march will start at 6:00 p.m. from the Brigade 2506 Monument, located at the corner of 8th Street and 13th Avenue, in Little Havana. The route will proceed along 13th Avenue until reaching the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, reported the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory.
During the walk, the names of political prisoners who are still incarcerated will be read, as an act of solidarity and protest.
"Instead of a static demonstration, we have decided to align our desires and words with the steps we take. Being able to sustain the path seems fundamental to us at this moment," Ramos expressed in his post.
The call also aims to promote the reconnection of the Cuban community and reflect on the country that “we do not have right now, but want back”.
Ramos recalled Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo as key figures of the San Isidro Movement and called for a return to what they started. “We need to go back to that, because if we let go of our political prisoners’ hands amidst all the turmoil that is happening, with the increasing climate of division, and with the controversial opinions on so many issues, I believe we will not be able to regain that momentum for change in Cuba.”
In addition to the action in Miami, the invitation extends to Cubans and allies in other cities and countries to organize similar activities on that same day or on nearby dates.
Actions may include protests, symbolic gestures, or creative expressions that bring visibility to the cause and strengthen unity among those who support the freedom of political prisoners.
Prisoners Defenders and other organizations have documented that more than 1,150 people remain imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba, with seven of them being new cases since February, many of whom have been sentenced to long terms following the events of July 11th.
Additionally, they reported that the release of 230 political prisoners was a farce of the Cuban regime, which now condemns them to serve their sentences in full under a "prisoner-home confinement regime."
Repression against activists and opponents has been the subject of constant denunciations to international organizations.
A recent example of this situation is the case of Jenni Taboada, mother of the political prisoner Duannis León Taboada, who was unjustly sentenced to 14 years following the protests on July 11th.
Jenni was summoned for interrogation by State Security for this Monday, March 24, five months after suffering a stroke upon learning that her son had been beaten and taken to a punishment cell.
“Instead of releasing my son, are you summoning me? You think I'm afraid of going to prison; well, let me tell you, I’m ready with my backpack packed. I will not be stopped,” Taboada stated firmly. Her only "crime" has been demanding freedom and humane conditions for her son and the other political prisoners in Cuba, the Non-Governmental Organization “Not one more political prisoner in Cuba” reported.
The call for these global protests occurs within a context of increasing tension on the island, characterized by the economic crisis, rising migration, and persistent repression against dissent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Global Protests for Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why were global protests called for political prisoners in Cuba?
The global protests were called to demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba. The critical situation faced by these prisoners of conscience has motivated organizations from the Cuban diaspora and human rights activists to mobilize in various cities around the world, including Miami, where a symbolic walk will take place.
Who are some of the political prisoners mentioned in the protests?
Among the prominent political prisoners are Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo, key figures of the San Isidro Movement. These individuals have been referred to as symbols of the struggle for freedom in Cuba, and their imprisonment has been strongly criticized by activists and international organizations.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba according to Prisoners Defenders?
According to Prisoners Defenders, over 1,150 people remain imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba. The Cuban regime has been accused of maintaining a "prison-domiciliary regime" for some of the released prisoners, which activists have described as a fraud, as it does not entail true freedom.
What actions are activists taking to raise awareness about the situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
Activists are organizing demonstrations, such as the march in Miami, and using social media platforms to spread information. These actions aim to highlight the situation of political prisoners and promote unity among the Cuban community and their international allies, in an effort to pressure the Cuban regime to release those unjustly detained.
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