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The activist Kenia Romero publicly denounced on social media that her son, the former political prisoner Luis Darien Reyes Romero, was once again sentenced on February 11 to two years of imprisonment in Cuba, after refusing to pay a fine of 64,000 pesos which, she claims, was imposed arbitrarily by the authorities.
In an extensive message shared on Facebook, Romero accused the State Security and the Cuban police of committing systematic abuses and criminalizing young opponents.
"Today he was again sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment... for refusing to pay a fine imposed by corrupt individuals who believe they own the streets of Havana," he wrote.
"You don't have to pay a fine for walking the streets of the country where you were born."
According to the complaint, the sanction would be connected to a previous conflict with a repressive agent who, according to Romero, pointed a gun at his son in broad daylight, in front of children and the elderly.
The mother stated that she tried to take the case to court, but after more than a year without responses, the authorities allegedly closed the case and later used police control to impose an “exonerating and abusive” fine just for traveling through the capital.
"My son should not have to pay a fine for walking in the streets of the country where he was born," he stated.
Lack of knowledge about formal charges
So far, there is no official confirmation from the Cuban authorities regarding the exact charges that led to this new conviction, nor have public details been provided about the judicial process against Reyes Romero.
The complaint has generated numerous reactions of solidarity on social media, where users demanded her release and denounced the increase in repression against youth and opponents.
"Freedom for Luis Darien... he does not deserve this injustice," wrote an internet user, while others shared messages of support for the family and called for the release of all political prisoners.
Repression and criminalization of dissent
The case adds to the recurring reports from human rights organizations regarding the use of fines, detentions, and sentences as mechanisms of intimidation and punishment against activists, independent journalists, and citizens critical of the regime.
Kenia Romero concluded her message with a call for the freedom of political prisoners in Cuba and asserted that she will not rest until she sees justice.
“Down with the Castro regime… Freedom for Luis Darien Reyes Romero,” he wrote.
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