The Cuban regime has imposed severe prison sentences on six young participants in the popular protest that took place in the Guantanamo town of Caimanera on May 6, 2023. They were sentenced to between 8 and 2 years in prison for peacefully protesting, their families confirmed to the South Florida-based media outlet Martí Noticias.
The Niceto Pérez Municipal People's Court sentenced Daniel Álvarez González to eight years in prison, one year less than what the prosecution had requested, on charges of incitement to commit a crime and public disorder. Luis Miguel Alarcón Martínez and Freddy Sarquis González received seven and five years of imprisonment, respectively, for the same offenses.
Meanwhile, Rodolfo Álvarez González was sentenced to four years in prison for public disorder, while Felipe Octavio Correa Martínez received a two-year sentence for the crime of assault. Yandri Pelier Matos was acquitted after defense witnesses proved his non-participation in the protest.
Victoria Martínez Valdivia, mother of Alarcón Martínez and Correa Martínez, reported that her sons received an official summons to collect the sentence this Tuesday. The document, which Martí Noticias accessed, is dated July 9.
Martínez Valdivia expressed that the families did not expect such harsh sentences, especially after authorities had decided to keep four of the defendants out of prison for nearly a year. "In less than five minutes, they took the boys out handcuffed like animals and pushed them into the vehicle. I wasn't allowed to kiss my son Felipe Octavio or give him bread, even though he hadn't had breakfast," the mother recounted.
Correa Martínez, who suffers from a mental disability, was released after 25 days in custody and had been under house arrest awaiting the sentence. Martínez Valdivia added that authorities offered no explanations, only delivering copies of the sentence and stating that they could appeal the court's decision within 10 business days.
The mother denounced that the trial was "fake" as the witness statements were not recorded in the document.
Protest Details and Government Response
On Saturday, May 6, a massive protest erupted in Caimanera, near the Guantanamo Naval Base, when dozens of people took to the streets shouting "Freedom," traversing the town to decry shortages and blackouts. The protesters chanted slogans such as "Freedom," "Homeland and Life," and "Long live human rights."
The demonstration was violently repressed by special troops of the Cuban Army. Within less than 24 hours of the outbreak, independent media and Cuban civil society organizations denounced the forced disappearance of five protesters and the digital blackout that left the entire country without Internet for over an hour.
The following day, the Cuban regime claimed that the "disturbances" were caused by "drunk" men. In April, the trial was suspended "until further notice," and it was revealed that the Guantanamo Prosecutor's Office had requested between 4 and 9 years of imprisonment for the protesters.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Caimanera Protest Sentences
To provide a deeper understanding of the recent events in Caimanera and the subsequent harsh sentences, here are some commonly asked questions and their answers.
What were the reasons for the harsh prison sentences?
The protesters were sentenced for charges of incitement to commit a crime, public disorder, and assault. The Cuban regime often imposes severe penalties on those who challenge their authority to discourage future demonstrations.
How did the families of the sentenced protesters react?
The families were shocked by the severity of the sentences, especially since some of the defendants had been out of prison for nearly a year. They also complained about the lack of transparency and fairness in the trial process.
What was the initial cause of the protest in Caimanera?
The protest in Caimanera was sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with shortages and blackouts, leading residents to demand better living conditions and greater freedoms.