The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called for the immediate release of 17 individuals convicted for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba. The group deemed their detentions to be "arbitrary" and in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In a decision made during its 99th session in March and recently published, the working group, which consists of five independent experts, also demanded that these 17 individuals be granted the "effective right to obtain compensation and other forms of reparation." Although their recommendations are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and political weight, according to EFE.
The convicted individuals are Ángel Serrano, Carlos Paul Michelena, Denis Ojeda, Felipe Almirall, Fredy Beirut, Katia Beirut, Luis Frómeta, Odet Hernández, Oscar Luis Ortiz, Reynier Reinosa, Robert Orlando Cairo, Roberto Pérez, Rolando Vázquez, Walnier Luis Aguilar (who has a certified disability), Wilmer Moreno, Yerandis Rillos, and Yoandry Reinier Sayu. They were all detained between July 12 and 24, 2021, for participating in the anti-government demonstrations that started in San Antonio de los Baños and spread across the country.
The UN working group, led by New Zealand jurist Matthew Gillett, concluded that the detentions were discriminatory due to the individuals' political opinions. The group's report also highlighted several judicial irregularities, such as the absence of arrest warrants, lack of judicial oversight during the initial detention, and police and prosecutors assuming the roles of judges.
The 17 prisoners were initially sentenced to between 15 and 26 years in prison, which were later reduced to between 8 and 18 years. They were charged with "sedition," a crime that the UN body considers "subjective and vague." The group also condemned the fact that pretrial detention was ordered by prosecutors without the possibility of appeal and that interrogations were conducted under coercion without legal representation.
One of the detainees, Walnier Luis Aguilar, who has a certified disability, was reportedly tried without consideration of his condition. The report did not take into account the Cuban government's communication on these cases as it was submitted late.
Additionally, the report reminded that Cuba is not a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, one of the treaties overseen by this UN body. The Havana regime has sentenced over 700 people for the July 11 protests in trials deemed arbitrary, where witnesses for the defense were not considered.
Key Questions Regarding the July 11 Protesters in Cuba
In light of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's recent decision, several questions arise regarding the 17 individuals detained during the July 11, 2021, protests in Cuba. Here are some key inquiries and their answers:
What were the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba about?
The protests were largely anti-government demonstrations that began in San Antonio de los Baños and spread across the country. Citizens were protesting against the Cuban government's handling of economic hardships and lack of freedoms.
Why does the UN consider the detentions arbitrary?
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that the detentions were discriminatory based on the detainees' political opinions. They also found judicial irregularities such as lack of arrest warrants and judicial oversight, and roles of police and prosecutors merging.
What are the sentences for the 17 individuals?
The 17 individuals were initially sentenced to between 15 and 26 years in prison. These sentences were later reduced to between 8 and 18 years.