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Wilber Aguilar, father of Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, one of the protesters sentenced for participating in the demonstrations on July 11, 2021, in Cuba, publicly denounced the state of helplessness faced by the families of political prisoners in the country.
In statements collected by the independent outlet El Toque, Aguilar asserted that in Cuba "there is no institution that defends the people, total abandonment experienced firsthand."
His son, sentenced to 12 years in prison, is one of the hundreds of young people who remain behind bars since the protests of that summer.
"This is unbearable, the word freedom is prohibited; anyone who says freedom here is in for it and will go to prison," he stated.
"Get off the backs of the innocent, let the Cubans live. Don't you have 18 billion anymore? Isn't that enough for you? Do you want more? The fuel to make money for them is our suffering. I don't understand anything," he emphasized.
He claims that he is caught up with other matters, “with my granddaughters, figuring out where to take them as their vacation is coming to an end, thinking about what to give them for lunch today,” and they continue to harass the family, he stated.
And my son tells me, “Dad, don’t come to the visit.” Why? Because they’ve told him that you’re not leaving here because of your dad,” said Aguilar, one of the most active parents in the fight for the release of the political prisoners from 11J.
"The parents of political prisoners know what it means when a child tells you that. It's for it to stop, you want it to stop, let it go," she lamented.
International human rights organizations have reiterated that systematic violations of fundamental freedoms persist in Cuba and have demanded the immediate release of political prisoners, many of whom are young individuals sentenced to long prison terms following the events of July 11th.
His son, Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, was convicted despite having a medical condition, and it was proven that he did not assault anyone during the protests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners from July 11 in Cuba
What is the current situation of the political prisoners from July 11 in Cuba?
The situation of the political prisoners from 11J in Cuba is critical. Many of them, such as Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, are facing long sentences under harsh conditions, without adequate access to medical care and under constant harassment. International organizations have reported systematic violations of human rights in Cuba and have demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners.
How does the imprisonment of political prisoners affect their families in Cuba?
The imprisonment of political prisoners deeply impacts their families, plunging them into helplessness and uncertainty. Wilber Aguilar, the father of a prisoner from 11J, denounces the lack of institutions that defend the people and the suffering caused by the repression of the Cuban regime. Families face harassment and economic difficulties, and in many cases, their access to the prisoners is restricted.
What actions has the international community taken regarding Cuban political prisoners?
The international community, including the United States, has shown its support for the families of Cuban political prisoners. Messages of solidarity and calls for the immediate release of these prisoners have been issued. Additionally, sanctions have been imposed on the Cuban regime, aiming to pressure for the respect of human rights on the island.
Are there possibilities for the release of the 11J prisoners in Cuba?
Although there have been some releases of political prisoners in Cuba, these are conditioned and do not represent a total liberation. The Cuban authorities have clarified that these are not amnesties or pardons, but rather penitentiary benefits subject to strict conditions. Those released can be reimprisoned if they do not comply with the imposed restrictions.
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