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Ernesto Borges Pérez, a former Cuban intelligence officer and regarded as one of the longest-serving political prisoners of the regime, was released this Thursday, April 24, after spending 28 years in prison under harsh conditions, as reported by human rights advocacy organizations.
According to the Cuban activist Carolina Barrero, the release occurred in the morning and represents "a triumph of resistance against oppression."
Borges, a former captain of the Ministry of the Interior's Directorate of Counterintelligence (MININT), was arrested in 1998 after attempting to provide U.S. diplomats with a list of 26 intelligence agents that the Cuban government planned to infiltrate into the United States and NATO countries.
Although he did not manage to carry out the delivery, he was initially sentenced to death, which was later commuted to 30 years in prison.
During his nearly three decades in captivity, Borges was held in inhumane conditions, in dark, unventilated cells, without adequate access to medical care and without physical contact with his daughter for more than 20 years.
Your health progressively deteriorated, suffering from advanced cataracts and an inguinal hernia that did not receive adequate treatment.
Barrero emphasized that Borges' story should serve as inspiration for other officials within MININT and the repressive forces "to act with truth and courage in the face of the tyranny that uses and despises them, just like the rest of the Cubans, for the benefit of the Castro family."
Her release has been met with relief and hope from her family, Cuban opponents, and members of the exile community.
"To Ernesto Borges and his family, I extend my respect and my embrace. May their freedom be a prelude to a #FreeCuba,” Barrero concluded in his message.
The situation of political prisoners in Cuba continues to be a constant concern for international organizations. The release of Borges adds to the growing pressure for democratic transformation on the island, while dozens of prisoners of conscience remain behind bars, especially following the social outburst of July 11, 2021.
Frequently asked questions about the release of Ernesto Borges Pérez and the situation of political prisoners in Cuba
Who is Ernesto Borges Pérez and why was he imprisoned?
Ernesto Borges Pérez is a former Cuban intelligence officer who was imprisoned in 1998 for attempting to provide U.S. diplomats with a list of 26 intelligence agents that the Cuban government planned to infiltrate into the United States and NATO countries. Although he was unable to complete this action, he was initially sentenced to death, which was later commuted to 30 years in prison.
What conditions did Ernesto Borges face during his imprisonment?
Ernesto Borges was held in inhumane conditions during his 28 years of incarceration. He was kept in dark, unventilated cells, without adequate access to medical care, and without physical contact with his daughter for over 20 years. His health deteriorated significantly, suffering from advanced cataracts and an untreated inguinal hernia.
How has the release of Ernesto Borges Pérez been received?
The release of Ernesto Borges has been met with relief and hope by his family, Cuban opponents, and members of the exile community. Cuban activist Carolina Barrero noted that his release represents a "triumph of resistance against oppression."
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
The situation of political prisoners in Cuba remains a constant concern for international organizations. Despite some recent releases such as that of Ernesto Borges, there are still dozens of conscience prisoners behind bars, especially after the social outbreak on July 11, 2021. The recent releases have been partly the result of international negotiations and are subject to restrictive conditions.
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