As is customary every December 10th, marking Human Rights Day, the United States government has once again called on the Cuban regime to release political prisoners. Brian Nichols, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, noted on Twitter that nearly 1,000 individuals are unjustly imprisoned in Cuban jails, with approximately 700 of them having participated in the peaceful protests of July 11, 2021. "Their families and the communities that rely on them continue to suffer. We will keep amplifying their voices and demanding their release," he emphasized.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana echoed this message on its social media account. Meanwhile, the independent organization Prisoners Defenders reported in November that, following recent detentions during peaceful demonstrations in Cuba this year, the number of political prisoners had risen to 1,117 by October. Among these prisoners, there are 120 women, 30 minors (including 29 boys and one girl), 653 individuals with medical conditions, and 63 suffering from mental health issues.
According to the report from Prisoners Defenders, from November 1, 2023, to October 31 of this year, the list of Cuban political prisoners grew by 134 new detainees, averaging more than 11 new prisoners each month. This means that over these 12 months, a total of 1,183 political prisoners were on the list.
Additionally, the independent organization Justicia 11J disclosed that the regime is currently holding 554 people in jail for their involvement in the July 11th protests. In its third annual report titled "Another Year Without Justice," for 2024, the group highlighted that 1,586 individuals were arrested for protesting on that day. Of these, 554—or 35%—remain imprisoned three years later, with sentences upheld upon appeal that extend to over 20 years of incarceration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why does the U.S. demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba?
The U.S. demands the release of political prisoners in Cuba as part of its commitment to human rights and to support the families and communities affected by these unjust imprisonments.
How many political prisoners are currently held in Cuba?
As of the latest reports, there are approximately 1,117 political prisoners in Cuba, including women, minors, and individuals with health issues.
What actions have organizations like Prisoners Defenders and Justicia 11J taken?
Organizations such as Prisoners Defenders and Justicia 11J have been documenting and reporting on the situation of political prisoners in Cuba, advocating for their release and highlighting the injustices faced by these individuals.