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Officials from the United States Embassy in Cuba joined this Wednesday in the international call for the freedom of Cuban political prisoners, in a gesture of solidarity that coincided with the International Day of Human Rights.
Through a video posted on the official account @USEmbCuba, diplomats expressed their support for Cubans both inside and outside the island who are calling for the immediate release of political prisoners of conscience imprisoned by the regime for political and expression-related reasons.
“Our embassy today joins the call from everyday Cubans and those in exile for the release of all unjustly imprisoned political prisoners. Know that we support you. #Todos #Libertad,” reads the message posted by the U.S. diplomatic mission.
In the video, U.S. officials appear holding lit candles and photographs of recognized political prisoners, including the artists and activists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Castillo “Osorbo”, the opposition figure Félix Navarro, and the young woman Sissi Abascal, among others.
The action seeks to honor the Cubans imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights and send a message of support to their families, many of whom have reported isolation, mistreatment, and lack of medical attention for prisoners in the regime's jails.
The embassy reaffirmed the position of the Trump Administration to uphold its commitment to the defense of human rights in Cuba and to those who “fight for freedom and democracy.”
The diplomatic gesture was interpreted as a clear message of solidarity directed towards Cuban civil society, particularly towards the activists persecuted by the regime, independent artists, and journalists imprisoned following the protests of July 11 and other peaceful demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the Cuban government continues to deny the existence of political prisoners, despite the over 1,000 incarcerated individuals identified by organizations such as Prisoners Defenders and Justicia 11J.
Repression continues to spread to activists, religious leaders, journalists, and peaceful opponents, whom the regime accuses of being “mercenaries” or “agents of imperialism.”
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