CSW is calling for the immediate release of a Protestant pastor who has spent 13 days in incommunicado detention in Regla, Havana, Cuba, amid concerns for his health.
Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo, leader of the Communion in Faith Church, part of the Brethren of Faith denomination in Regla, was detained on 10 June. He has not been permitted any contact with his family and is feared to be in critical condition due to his rheumatoid arthritis.
The pastor, who is currently being held at the El Vivac Detention Center, was summoned to a National Revolutionary Police unit without a formal written notice. Once there, he was arbitrarily detained on accusations of public disorder and subjected to physical abuse during interrogations. His family rejects the accusations against him.
The incident occurred after several days of prolonged interruptions to basic services in the area, including three days without electricity and several days without water supply. Witnesses report that Pastor Padrón Lorenzo publicly confronted government officials whom he believed were providing misleading information to the population about the situation. During a demonstration in the Plaza municipality on 9 June, he denounced the suffering of the people and expressed opposition to the communist system, after which he was physically assaulted. Later, upon returning to the church, he was subjected to an act of repudiation. He remains incommunicado and accused of public disorder, a charge his community considers unjust.
Pastor Padrón Lorenzo has worked in Christian ministry for over 23 years alongside his wife. Together, they founded a congregation in Regla that includes approximately 50 Christians and is known for combining preaching with social work supporting vulnerable individuals.
His ongoing detention has provoked deep concern among family members, church members and neighbours. The congregation maintains that the pastor has been targeted for years due to his public denunciation of social injustices, his criticism of government policies, and his defense of the rights of vulnerable people.
A pastor told CSW that the detention appears aimed at limiting Pastor Padrón Lorenzo’s growing influence in the community, his support for vulnerable people, and his public expression of faith. He believes the actions seek to restrict the church’s growth and the spread of the Gospel in the region.
The pastor’s family is also facing an especially difficult situation, as he is the main financial provider for his household. Among those affected is his son, Jonathan Eduardo Padrón Benítez, who has health issues requiring ongoing care and support.
CSW’s External Affairs Team Leader Kiri Kankhwende said: ‘The detention of Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo is highly concerning, particularly amid reports that his pastoral work, support for vulnerable people, and growing community influence may be among the reasons that he is being targeted. We call for his immediate and unconditional release. We also urge the authorities to guarantee due process and to ensure that no religious leader is penalised for practicing their faith, expressing their views, or serving their community.’