Human rights organizations have initiated an urgent global campaign to demand the immediate release of Ernesto Borges Pérez, a former Cuban intelligence officer who has been imprisoned since 1998 for attempting to expose a Cuban espionage network. With his expected release date set for April 24, 2025, activists fear that Miguel Díaz-Canel's government may attempt to extend his sentence by concocting new charges.
The campaign is spearheaded by 'Presos por lo Político en Cuba' (@PresosCuba) and 'Cuba Decide Washington DC' (@CubWashingtonDC) with the aim of shedding light on what they view as a prime example of the systematic punishment of dissent within Cuba's regime. Through a Change.org petition, graphic and audiovisual materials, and a countdown clock leading to his release date, the organizers aim to apply both national and international pressure to prevent another injustice.
Ernesto Borges was a captain in the General Directorate of Counterintelligence at the Ministry of the Interior when he was arrested in June 1998 at the age of 32. His "crime" was attempting to hand over a list of 26 Cuban spies infiltrated in the United States and NATO countries to American diplomats. Although he never completed the act, he was initially sentenced to death, which was later commuted to a 30-year prison term.
Since then, Borges has spent over a quarter-century behind bars under harsh conditions. He endured ten years in dark, unventilated cells, has been systematically denied medical care, and has not been able to embrace his daughter for more than 20 years. His health is in a dire state: he suffers from advanced cataracts, rendering him nearly blind, has a hernia that urgently needs surgery, and exhibits alarming physical deterioration.
“Ernesto's case is not just a prolonged injustice; it's a warning to any Cuban who dares to act with conscience within the system,” stated one of the campaign coordinators. “The regime ruthlessly punishes those who do not submit. We fear that as his release date approaches, they will fabricate new charges to extend his imprisonment indefinitely.”
The campaign also highlights the stark contrast between Borges' treatment and that of other convicted spies held in the United States, like the so-called "Five Heroes," who were released and celebrated as state figures. In contrast, Borges, who tried to prevent espionage, has been condemned to oblivion, isolation, and suffering.
Activists emphasized that under Cuba’s own military laws, Borges has already served more than one-third of his sentence, which should qualify him for early release. However, authorities have repeatedly refused to review his case.
“Every day counts,” insisted the campaign promoters, urging Cuban civil society, independent media, human rights organizations, and supportive citizens to share his story using hashtags such as #FreeErnestoBorges, #LibertadParaErnestoBorges, #HastaQueSeanLibres, and #Todos. The call is also directed at the international community to closely monitor this case in the coming weeks. “Ernesto Borges' freedom and life are at stake. It’s now or never,” they concluded.
Key Questions About Ernesto Borges' Imprisonment
Who is Ernesto Borges?
Ernesto Borges Pérez is a former Cuban intelligence officer who has been imprisoned since 1998 for attempting to expose a Cuban espionage network.
Why are activists concerned about his possible extended imprisonment?
Activists fear the Cuban government might fabricate new charges to prolong his incarceration beyond his expected release date in April 2025.
What is the purpose of the international campaign for his release?
The campaign aims to raise awareness and apply pressure on a national and international level to secure Ernesto Borges' release and prevent further injustice.
How can the public support this campaign?
The public can support the campaign by sharing Ernesto Borges' story on social media using the designated hashtags and encouraging others to do the same.