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Forty percent of the relatives of Cuban political prisoners from the 11J protests interviewed for a study suffer from depression or nervous crises.
This is confirmed by the report “Cuba: families trapped by totalitarian politics”, published by the think tank Cuba Siglo 21 and prepared by historian Leonardo M. Fernández Otaño.
"To detail the particularities of the effects of political imprisonment and the social costs," the research focused on "a sample of 15 households distributed across the provinces of Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Villa Clara, Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo."
Fernández Otaño's research explains the process of politicization of these families who "were forced to occupy public spaces such as squares, churches, and social media to demand" the immediate release of their imprisoned members.
"This cycle of civic demand has occurred in a context of economic crisis, which has forced affected households to reconfigure their economic and emotional support systems, in addition to bearing the costs of legal proceedings and the upkeep of inmates, including many of the medications for their chronic treatments," the research specifies.
Fernández Otaño also describes the "situation of 'social death' and neighborhood isolation" that these families are experiencing.
"This context has created a network of connections and synergies with other affected citizens and with civil society, undergoing a process of politicization and civic maturity that has turned them into benchmarks in the demand for the democratization of the Cuban state," he explains.
The research also mentions the attempts at political articulation by these relatives in “movements of relatives advocating for the freedom of political prisoners.”
"However, the political inexperience of individuals has slowed the articulation process. Despite the challenges, the Cuba in Mourning Movement and the Amnesty Law project submitted by Wilber Aguiar in the National Assembly of People's Power have managed to capitalize on the political will of those affected," it states.
The report also explains the four-step process that the relatives of political prisoners have gone through in their political maturation: starting with breaking the silence, moving on to making claims before official institutions and raising awareness on social media, and concluding with public protest and organization.
"Internationally, the call for the freedom of political prisoners in Cuba has been echoed in all recognized prestigious forums. For Cuban civil society, the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners is a non-negotiable condition," the text concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba and Their Families
What is the psychological impact on the families of the political prisoners from the July 11 protests in Cuba?
A study revealed that 40% of the relatives of the 11J political prisoners suffer from depression or nervous crises. This impact is due to the situation of "social death" and neighborhood isolation they experience, in addition to the economic pressures and emotional stress from the injustices suffered by their loved ones.
What actions have the families of political prisoners taken to demand their release?
The families of the political prisoners from 11J have occupied public spaces, such as plazas and churches, and used social media to demand the immediate release of their imprisoned members. This process has led to a politicization and civic maturity among these families, making them symbols of the demand for democratization in Cuba.
What are the conditions of the currently released political prisoners in Cuba?
Although some releases have taken place, no amnesty or pardon has been granted. The releases are subject to strict conditions of "good behavior," and those who have been released can be returned to prison if they do not comply with these restrictions imposed by the Cuban regime.
What role does the international community play in the situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
The international community has expressed concern over the situation of political prisoners in Cuba, but often their actions have been inadequate. Human rights organizations continue to denounce and call for action to pressure the Cuban regime to release all political prisoners and respect human rights.
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