This Tuesday, images of political prisoners in Cuba were displayed in front of the Cuban regime's embassy in Washington. The demonstration, organized by Cuban exiles, marked the occasion of International Human Rights Day, celebrated each year on December 10. In the morning, dissidents, activists, and other Cuban exiles in the United States gathered at the diplomatic headquarters to demand the release of political prisoners, highlight the ongoing human rights violations in Cuba, and call for freedom and a democratic transition on the island.
A truck equipped with a screen showcased photographs and videos of Cuban political prisoners, the historic anti-government protests of July 11 and 12, 2021, the crackdown on demonstrators, the execution of dissidents by the regime, and other human rights abuses committed in the country. The mobilization also urged the international community and organizations to remain vigilant regarding the severe challenges faced by the Cuban people.
Earlier, members of the Cuba Primero movement, who were traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the demonstration, had a chance encounter with Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Carlos Giménez at Miami International Airport. During their exchange with the activists, including Jorge Luis García Pérez “Antúnez,” Esteban Rodríguez, and Carlos Ernesto Díaz—known as Ktivo Disidente—Rubio expressed his support for the Cuban people and hoped that “what happened in Syria” could occur in Cuba, referring to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship. Meanwhile, Giménez emphasized the significance of peaceful and persistent advocacy for human rights in Cuba, as reported by Click Cuba.
Activists have shared moments from the demonstration on social media in Washington, D.C. “We are already making noise in front of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, with the screen truck right at the entrance showing photos of the #CastroPrisoners, mothers of the prisoners, faces of the executed, images from the 11J protests, #crimesofthepcc. For a Cuba #WithoutCommunism,” wrote user @susetlahabana on the social network X.
According to a recent report by the non-governmental organization Prisoners Defenders, the number of political prisoners rose to 1,117 in October, following new arrests for peaceful protests in Cuba.
Understanding the Human Rights Situation in Cuba
Why are exiled Cubans protesting in front of the embassy?
Exiled Cubans are protesting to demand the release of political prisoners and to highlight the ongoing human rights abuses in Cuba.
What did the demonstration in Washington, D.C., include?
The demonstration included the projection of images and videos of political prisoners, historic protests, and other human rights violations in Cuba.
How did U.S. politicians react to the demonstration?
Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Carlos Giménez expressed support for the Cuban people and emphasized the importance of peaceful activism for human rights in Cuba.
What is the current status of political prisoners in Cuba?
As of October, the number of political prisoners in Cuba has increased to 1,117, according to Prisoners Defenders.