The Cuban regime has returned political prisoner Marlon Brando Díaz Oliva to jail, one of the beneficiaries of the agreement reached between the Government of Cuba and the Vatican in early 2025, according to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH).
Díaz Oliva, who was serving an 18-year prison sentence for his involvement in the historic protests of July 11, 2021 (11J), had been granted house arrest last January as part of the aforementioned agreement.
However, the measure was recently revoked, and the activist has been returned to a correctional facility, the OCDH reported in a statement posted on Facebook.
The case of Marlon Brando Díaz Oliva was not isolated: his initial release, like that of other protesters, was conditioned by strict restrictions on movement and constant surveillance by the Cuban authorities.
The imposed conditions made a free life outside of prison practically unviable, according to human rights organizations.
"These revocations show that the release of political prisoners is merely a temporary tool, lacking legal guarantees and respect for fundamental rights," stated the OCDH.
With the return of Díaz Oliva to prison, a total of five political prisoners released under the agreement with the Vatican have been incarcerated again. Activists and family members fear that the number may increase, given the repressive climate that persists on the island.
The arrests and sentences resulting from the 11J events have been heavily criticized by international organizations, which accuse the Cuban regime of using the criminal justice system as a tool for political repression.
Marlon Brando Díaz Oliva was arrested after the 11J and faces an 18-year prison sentence for sedition, following his participation in the protests in the La Güinera neighborhood of Havana.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of political prisoners in Cuba following July 11th
Why was Marlon Brando Díaz Oliva arrested again?
Marlon Brando Díaz Oliva was imprisoned again because the Cuban regime revoked the home confinement benefit that had been granted to him in January 2025 as part of an agreement with the Vatican. The revocation of his release highlights the lack of legal guarantees and the use of criminal justice as a tool of political repression in Cuba.
What was the role of the Vatican in the release of political prisoners in Cuba?
The Vatican mediated an agreement with the Cuban government in early 2025 that allowed for the release of several political prisoners. However, the releases were temporary and subject to strict conditions, which has led to some of those released being re-incarcerated.
How many political prisoners from the 11J have been re-imprisoned after their release?
As of now, five political prisoners from the 11J who were released under the agreement with the Vatican have been re-incarcerated. This situation reflects a persistent repressive climate in Cuba, where fundamental rights are not respected.
What conditions do the released political prisoners face in Cuba?
Political prisoners released in Cuba face restrictive conditions, such as constant surveillance and the requirement to meet good behavior standards. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to their re-incarceration, highlighting the lack of real freedom for these individuals.
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