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The repression by the Cuban regime has extended to teenagers, following the protests that took place on September 17 in Maniabón, a municipality in Puerto Padre, Las Tunas, when residents took to the streets to demand basic rights such as electricity, water, food, and freedom, reported the platform Alas Tensas.
According to the post on Facebook, among those arrested is Eliane Martín, a 16-year-old pregnant teenager, who was detained along with her boyfriend, Pedro Luis Bello, for participating in the protests.
The complaint was made by activist Niurka Préstamo, who raised awareness about the delicate situation of the minor and the lack of official information regarding her current status.
Arrested for shouting "Freedom"
Another of those detained is Leroy Hernández Escalona, 17 years old, arrested on the same day for shouting "Freedom," according to his father, Leodan Alberto, a resident of the United States.
Leroy was transferred to the Provincial Instruction Headquarters of Las Tunas, and so far, no details are known about his legal or physical situation.
A repeated repressive pattern
The detention of these three young individuals adds to a pattern of systematic repression against protesters, including minors, a common practice of the regime to intimidate and discourage future demonstrations.
On September 19, 2025, the Municipal People's Court of Bayamo issued a ruling against 15 citizens for participating in protests in March 2024, yet another example of the punitive sentencing used to restrict the exercise of the right to freedom of expression in Cuba.
The current situation of the three detained adolescents remains unknown, and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that the regime uses arbitrary detentions, isolation, and threats as tools of social control, even against minors.
Repression in Cuba: 16 protesters from Bayamo face trial
The Cuban regime began a trial last Tuesday against 16 citizens who participated in a peaceful protest in Bayamo on March 17, 2024, one of the largest demonstrations against the government recorded that year in the eastern region of the island.
The trial is taking place at the People's Municipal Tribunal of Bayamo, in the province of Granma, and is unfolding amidst strong criticism due to its political nature. According to judicial sources from the regime itself, the Prosecutor's Office is charging the protesters with alleged crimes of "public disorder, assault, resistance, contempt, illegal possession and carrying of weapons, disobedience, and incitement to commit a crime."
The Cuban regime denies that there are any detained protesters: "Not a single one."
In September, the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío denied that there are any protesters imprisoned in Cuba and dismissed the reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch that report on repression and hundreds of arbitrary detentions on the island.
Fernández de Cossío asserted that there are no protesters imprisoned in Cuba during an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan from Zeteo, held during the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Not arbitrarily, no,” he replied when directly asked if there were people imprisoned for protesting against the government.
Hasan reminded him of the reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch that denounce systematic repression against dissent, with hundreds of critics and protesters detained.
The deputy head of Cuban diplomacy questioned the credibility of those reports and deemed them lacking in evidence.
The Cuban official accused Amnesty International of being funded by organizations opposing the Cuban government, which, according to him, explains the bias in their reports.
However, the journalist replied that the organization has also strongly denounced governments such as the United States, Israel, Venezuela, Brazil, and Argentina.
During the exchange, the Deputy Minister maintained the refusal to acknowledge cases of political repression in Cuba, while insisting on discrediting international NGOs and questioning the validity of their allegations.
He was also questioned about Cuba's human rights record, the lack of democratic freedoms, the absence of a free press, and the allegations that the island harbors individuals labeled as "terrorists" by the Trump administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and Human Rights
Why were teenagers arrested during the protests in Las Tunas?
The teenagers were arrested for participating in protests demanding basic rights such as electricity, water, food, and freedom. These detentions are part of a repressive pattern by the Cuban regime to intimidate and discourage future demonstrations, even involving minors.
What is being reported about the human rights situation in Cuba?
Various human rights organizations have reported that there is systematic repression in Cuba against those who peacefully protest. Arbitrary detentions, isolation, and threats are used as tools of social control, as evidenced by the recent arrests of protesters, including minors, for exercising their right to protest.
How does the Cuban regime respond to allegations of arbitrary detentions?
The Cuban regime, through officials such as Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, denies the existence of imprisoned demonstrators and discredits reports from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. They claim that there are no political prisoners on the island and that the allegations are unfounded, despite ongoing reports of repression and a lack of democratic freedoms.
What consequences do protesters in Cuba face?
The protesters in Cuba face severe consequences such as arbitrary detentions, political trials, and prison sentences ranging from three to nine years. These actions aim to criminalize the right to protest and intimidate the population in a context of increasing social unrest due to the economic crisis and state repression.
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