Relatives of the five young men sentenced for their participation in the popular protest in Caimanera on May 6, 2023, have announced that the sentences have been appealed. These verdicts, issued by the Municipal People's Court of Niceto Pérez in the province of Guantánamo, were challenged last week, according to the families of the detainees, reported Martí Noticias.
Daniel Álvarez González was sentenced to eight years in prison for incitement to commit a crime and public disorder. Luis Miguel Alarcón Martínez and Freddy Sarquis González received sentences of seven years for the same charges. Rodolfo Álvarez González was sentenced to four years for public disorder, while Felipe Octavio Correa Martínez was given two years for the crime of assault.
Victoria Martínez Valdivia, mother of Luis Miguel and Felipe Octavio, expressed her concern over the health of Felipe Octavio, who has an intellectual disability. She noted that he is in poor conditions and desperate to get out of the provincial prison Combinado de Guantánamo.
She explained that she recently spoke with her son, who is in a very critical and nervous state. Felipe pleaded with her to help him get out of prison, showing evident distress over his current situation. Martínez mentioned that she filed an appeal last week and is now waiting for a response within the ten-day period allowed for making the appeal.
“I talked to Luis Miguel, he told me that he had sent a note to his brother because he hadn't heard from him since Friday. They are in the same place but on different floors. They have seen each other on the occasions when I have visited and managed to have them both brought in to give them food,” said the mother of the political prisoners, hopeful that the appeal will highlight all the irregularities committed by the regime.
She recounted that, in the case of her son Luis Miguel, the initial prosecutorial request was for six years, but during the trial, the sentence was increased to seven years. Regarding Felipe, she mentioned that a police officer testified verbally in front of everyone, stating that Felipe had not shown any aggression or caused any harm. Martínez considered the situation unjust and believed a grave error was made in her son's trial.
On May 6, 2023, a crowd in Caimanera took to the streets to demand respect for their rights, shouting phrases such as "Patria y Vida," "Liberty," and "Long live human rights." They gathered in front of the headquarters of the Municipal Government and the Communist Party. The authorities responded violently, deploying special troops and cutting internet access across much of the country.
International organizations have criticized the Cuban government for its response to the protest in Caimanera, pointing out the use of excessive force and physical violence. Amnesty International and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have condemned the arbitrary detentions and the pattern of repression in Cuba, demanding the release of the arrested protesters.
Initially, the trial against the protesters was scheduled for April 2, with a hearing set to take place at 9:00 am in the Municipal Court of Niceto Pérez in Guantánamo. However, the regime suspended the trial “until further notice” without providing more details.
Recently, it was revealed that the Cuban government imposed harsh sentences on the young participants in the popular protest in the town of Caimanera.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caimanera Protest Sentences
Given the critical nature of the situation in Caimanera, many are seeking answers about the legal proceedings and the conditions of the detained protesters. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What charges were the Caimanera protesters convicted of?
The protesters were convicted of charges including incitement to commit a crime, public disorder, and assault.
What are the conditions like for the detained protesters?
The conditions are reported to be poor, with detainees like Felipe Octavio Correa Martínez experiencing critical and distressing situations.
How has the international community responded to the situation?
International organizations such as Amnesty International and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have condemned the Cuban government's response and demanded the release of the detained protesters.
What is the status of the appeals filed by the families?
The appeals have been filed, and the families are currently awaiting a response within the ten-day period allowed for making the appeal.