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The Camagüey opposition figure Virgilio Mantilla Arango was released from prison after serving a full four-year sentence, reported the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) on Monday.
Through its X account, the organization recalled that the opposition member was imprisoned in inhumane conditions for over four years, despite constant reports from family members and international organizations.
Shortly after her release was announced, the activist from the Damas de Blanco, Leticia Ramos Herrería, called for support for the opposition figure, warning that after his exit from prison, "he is in the worst of situations."
"Not even a sheet to sleep on, no phone, nothing. He hasn't asked for anything; I am the one requesting help for him," she stated in a message posted on Facebook.
Mantilla Arango, leader of the organization Unidad Camagüeyana, participated in the protests of July 11, 2021 (11J), just days after completing a seven-month sentence in Kilo 8 prison.
On July 16, he was arrested along with other protesters, and in September of that year, he was sentenced to three years and three months of imprisonment.
Although his release was initially scheduled for October 16, 2024, in March of that same year he was charged with "contempt" after protesting along with other inmates about the shortage of food and medicine in prison.
In February 2025, he was on the verge of receiving a fifth sanction after authorities at the Kilo 7 prison accused him of sharing a poem and denouncing the situation of a cousin who went on a hunger strike.
The organization Prisoners Defenders claims that there are 1,176 people imprisoned for political reasons on the Island, the highest number since 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of Virgilio Mantilla Arango and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Who is Virgilio Mantilla Arango and why was he imprisoned?
Virgilio Mantilla Arango is a Cuban political dissident and leader of the organization Unidad Camagüeyana. He was imprisoned for participating in the protests of July 11, 2021, and was subsequently sanctioned for "contempt" while serving his sentence. He spent more than four years in prison under inhumane conditions, which led to denunciations from international organizations and family members.
What were the conditions under which Virgilio Mantilla was released from prison?
Virgilio Mantilla Arango was released from prison under extremely precarious conditions. According to activist Leticia Ramos Herrería, Mantilla doesn't even have the basics for living, such as a sheet or a phone, and he is in a state of misery. This is a common situation among Cuban political prisoners upon their release, due to the constant control and repression by the regime.
How many political prisoners are there currently in Cuba?
In Cuba, 1,176 people are incarcerated for political reasons, according to the organization Prisoners Defenders. This figure is the highest since 2018 and reflects the use of the penal system as a tool for political repression by the Cuban regime.
What complaints have been made about the conditions in Cuban prisons?
Conditions in Cuban prisons have been described as inhumane, with critical situations of malnutrition and medical neglect. Inmates, like Virgilio Mantilla, have reported that the food provided is insufficient and medical care is nonexistent, putting their lives and well-being at risk. These claims are supported by international organizations that demand intervention to improve the Cuban penitentiary system.
What measures are international organizations taking regarding political prisoners in Cuba?
International organizations are demanding the total and unconditional release of political prisoners in Cuba. They are also calling for the opening of the prison system to independent observers to ensure respect for human rights. Recent releases are not considered an improvement, as those released remain under strict surveillance and restrictive conditions, at risk of being re-incarcerated.
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