Angélica Garrido, a political prisoner, was released this Wednesday after serving three years of an unjust sentence for participating in the peaceful protests on July 11, 2021, in the town of Quivicán, Mayabeque.
"I have just completed three years of an unjust sentence for crimes fabricated by state security. Along with my sister María Cristina, I leave behind my soul, my heart, and my spirit," she said in a video posted on Facebook. The young woman added that her heart remains with her "political prisoner brothers of 11J and all the common prisoners who have also fallen victim to this ineffective and tyrannical system."
"My freedom is not a victory; I do not celebrate it. The victory lies in achieving Liberty," she emphasized.
A Fight Against Oppression
In her solemn statement, Garrido expressed that in Cuba, "peaceful struggle is illegal and prohibited by the government, which thus nullifies our rights, the very Constitution, and free expression." She stressed that "there is no democracy in Cuba because exercising our rights results in imprisonment."
"Our fight is to raise our voices for an entire nation urgently demanding change," she declared in her message.
Angélica and her sister María Cristina Garrido were detained in the women's prison of Guatao for protesting on July 11, 2021, in Quivicán. The regime's courts sentenced them to 3 and 7 years in prison, respectively. The Cuban regime accused the Garrido sisters of the alleged crime of assault, supposedly for an incident that occurred inside a police vehicle after both were arrested the day following the historic uprising.
In prison, they endured a true nightmare, facing violence and constant threats from prison authorities, who frequently threatened to suspend their family visits.
The young woman was among the political prisoners who, at the end of February 2023, signed a letter with their blood, demanding that the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel release the peaceful protesters of 11J.
Questions About Angélica Garrido's Imprisonment and Release
Below are some frequently asked questions about Angélica Garrido's time in prison and her recent release, shedding light on the oppressive measures of the Cuban regime.
Why was Angélica Garrido imprisoned?
Angélica Garrido was imprisoned for participating in the peaceful protests on July 11, 2021, in Quivicán, Mayabeque. The regime accused her of crimes fabricated by state security.
How long was Angélica Garrido in prison?
Angélica Garrido served three years in prison before being released.
What were the conditions like in prison for Angélica Garrido?
In prison, Angélica Garrido faced violence and threats from the authorities, who often threatened to suspend her family visits.
What did Angélica Garrido say upon her release?
Upon her release, Angélica Garrido emphasized that her freedom is not a victory and that the true victory lies in achieving liberty for all. She highlighted the lack of democracy and the prohibition of peaceful struggle in Cuba.