CSW calls for human rights reforms and release of political prisoners on third anniversary of protests

On the third anniversary of unprecedented nationwide protests in Cuba, CSW is calling for the release of all political prisoners, including religious leaders, and reforms to protect and uphold fundamental human rights including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Numerous religious leaders across the country have reported to CSW that they have received official warnings by Cuban government officials not to leave their homes on 11 or 12 July.

Independent Protestant pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo and Afro-Cuban Yoruba religious leaders Loreto Hernández Garcia and Donaida Pérez Paseiro, a married couple, were among hundreds of citizens detained and imprisoned following their involvement in spontaneous protests that took place across the country on 11 July 2021. Since then, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has published its findings that Pastor Rosales Fajardo is unjustly imprisoned, Amnesty International has recognised Mr Hernández Garcia and Ms Pérez Paseiro as prisoners of conscience, and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has placed all three on its Frank R. Wolf Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List.

The Cuban government routinely violates the Nelson Mandela Rules (The United Nations Standard Minimum Rights for the Treatment of Prisoners) in its treatment of political prisoners. CSW has documented numerous cases in maximum security prisons across the country of political prisoners being denied the right to receive visits from a religious leader, to receive or keep a Bible or other religious literature. In many cases, relatives of political prisoners who have attempted to file official requests for a religious visit for their family member have been subjected to short term detention and threats, and have been barred from attending religious services or entering places of worship.

Mr Hernández Garcia, Ms Pérez Paseiro and Pastor Rosales Fajardo are among those who have reported being singled out for ridicule and mistreatment because of their religious beliefs. Like others, they have also been denied medical attention for serious health needs.

On 2 July 2024, Roman Catholic lay leader Angel Maria Mesa Rodriguez was abruptly sent from the Guanajay Maximum Security Prison in Artemisa Province, where he was serving a 12-year prison sentence on the false charge of ‘attack against authority’ because of his participation in the 11 July protests, to the Kilo 5 ½ Penitentiary approximately 130km away in Pinar del Rio Province. His family was not informed of his change in whereabouts until the next day. The transfer, which sent him even further away from where they live, will make it more difficult for his wife and family to visit him, especially in light of the dire economic situation in the country and lack of transport options.

CSW’s CEO Scot Bower said ‘Three years ago, thousands of men and women came out to the streets of cities and towns across Cuba and lifted up their voice in a cry for homeland, life and freedom. Rather than listen to his people, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and the government he leads have responded with harsh repression. The result has been a spike in the number of political prisoners, mass emigration on a scale not seen before in Cuba’s history, severe economic hardship, critical shortages of basic necessities including food, and failing utilities across the island. We stand with those who continue to call for a free and democratic Cuba where the human rights of all are upheld, and we urge the international community to do the same.’