The Cuban authorities have denied the parole request for political prisoner Luis Robles Elizástigui, who was sentenced to five years in prison in 2021. Robles was convicted for protesting with a sign in the San Rafael Boulevard in Havana. He has been eligible for parole since April.
His mother, Yindra Elizástigui Jardines, submitted the request three months ago and has now been informed that it was denied, according to Martí Noticias. She expressed hope that the request would be granted. "It was a ray of light amidst so much darkness," she told the media, adding that she feels "dismayed and very disappointed."
Previously, she had mentioned that the deadline for a response had passed on April 17 without any feedback from the regime. "In January, I hired a lawyer to file the parole request. He told me a few days later that the application had been submitted to the Provincial Court and that they had 90 working days to respond. Those 90 days have already passed," she explained.
She also recounted that a State Security officer who oversees Robles in prison had informed him about the parole process, raising the young man's expectations. Robles had been granted a pass on February 19, allowing him to spend time with his family for the first time since his detention. "This news has been a severe blow to him," said his mother, who blames the Cuban regime for the situation.
She believes the denial "is part of a strategy by the Cuban regime," noting that State Security is manipulative and plays with people's emotions. Luis Robles, recognized by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience, was sentenced for enemy propaganda and disobedience for holding a solo protest in Central Havana with a sign that read "Freedom."
Numerous international organizations have called for his full release, highlighting his case as a severe violation of human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luis Robles' Parole Denial
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the recent denial of parole for Luis Robles, a political prisoner in Cuba.
Why was Luis Robles denied parole?
Luis Robles was denied parole as part of what his mother believes is a strategy by the Cuban regime to manipulate and play with the emotions of prisoners and their families.
What were the charges against Luis Robles?
Luis Robles was convicted of enemy propaganda and disobedience for holding a solo protest in Central Havana with a sign that read "Freedom."
How has the international community responded?
Numerous international organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for Luis Robles' full release, highlighting his case as a severe violation of human rights.