‘If God exists, tell him to get you out of here.’

On the streets of Cuba, in schools, universities and places of work, freedom of expression is tightly controlled. Speaking openly of one’s faith is at best frowned upon. At worst, sharing one’s faith or attempting to practice it publicly can be met with punishment. Imagine, then, what it’s like behind the fortified walls of the country’s maximum-security prisons.

Here, prison officers hold total control over the lives of inmates, whose ability to communicate with the outside world is extremely restricted and can even be taken away altogether.

A CSW survey of 180 Cuban prisoners found that the religious rights of inmates (those in prison for both political and non-political crimes) are routinely and severely violated.

Participants in the study shared the daily humiliations they endure, as prison officers ridicule and demean them because of what they believe. Despite all this, those who responded also stated that they continue to hold on to their faith – entrusting their hope to a power higher than the government officers who run the penitentiary system.

The guards say…

‘The only God here is me.’

‘Here, whatever I say happens. Here, I am God.’

‘Keep on believing in your faith, you'll rot here.’

‘You're a religious scab.’

‘If you were religious, you wouldn't be here.’

‘You're a parasite of this society.’

‘If I hear you praying or preaching, I'll throw you in the punishment cell.’

‘If God is as great as you say, why hasn't he taken you out of this place?’

‘Lying Christian.’

The prisoners pray…

‘May justice be done.’

‘May he perform a miracle to get me out of this place, so I can be with my family.’

‘God is merciful, and I trust in every step He allows me to take.’

‘May he put his hand in and help me get out of this place because I know he is the greatest.’

‘May things improve in Cuba and the people no longer be repressed.’

‘May this whole nightmare end and may we be completely free.’

‘If I could ask God for anything, it would be freedom; that he change those who govern; and that I have a healthy, peaceful life. I will ask him to take care of my family and that they never go hungry.’

‘May he give me strength to endure the remaining years and take care of my family.’

‘God is our savior.’

‘May he protect my mother so I can see her when I get out.’

‘May he take good care of my children.’

‘I have faith that this will end soon.’

Facts and stats:

93%

168 participants said they are never able to practice their faith in prison. Many prisoners said that they and others are regularly threatened with losing benefits (including the right to telephone calls and visits) or being placed in solitary confinement if they are caught praying or singing.

84%

152 prisoners (half political, half common) said that they were not allowed a Bible or religious literature of any type.

79% of prisoners surveyed said they have never been permitted to meet with a religious leader. One said he had made over ten requests, and all were denied.