A total of 175 activists, independent journalists, historical dissidents, relatives of prisoners and former Cuban prisoners demanded this Monday from the island’s Government the “immediate and unconditional” release of “all” people who are in prison for political reasons.
In a statement, the signatories recalled that Venezuela and Nicaragua have launched a process of releasing political prisoners “in recent days” so, “in that context, Cuba cannot continue to be the great absentee.”
“Although these announcements are produced in the opaque and manipulative rhetoric typical of authoritarianism (…) they once again place an inalienable demand on the regional agenda: the freedom of those who have been imprisoned for exercising their rights,” the letter highlighted.
Last week, the president of the Venezuelan Parliament and Chavismo’s chief negotiator, Jorge Rodríguez, announced the immediate release of “a significant number of people.”
Caracas and several NGOs reported new releases this Monday, although the numbers vary depending on the source. While official records number 116 beneficiaries, human rights organizations have confirmed between 40 and 53 political prisoners have been released.
It may be of interest to you: Cuban leaders have just lost an ally in Maduro; If they run out of Venezuelan oil, they could also lose what’s left of their public support
Managua has released at least 24 political prisoners in recent days, according to the latest data confirmed by families to the Mechanism for the Recognition of Political Prisoners of Nicaragua.
Terrorists in Cuba
Among the people who subscribed to this Monday’s text are 20 direct relatives of Cuban prisoners; historical dissidents such as José Daniel Ferrer and Martha Beatriz Roque; prisoners from the Plantados group (imprisoned opponents who refused to wear the uniform); activists from organizations like Justicia 11J and artists like Tania Bruguera.
At least a dozen appear on the national list of terrorists drawn up by the island government.
Cuba released 553 people last year as part of an agreement between Havana and Washington, during the last days of the administration of Democrat Joe Biden, mediated by the Vatican.
Different Cuban and international human rights NGOs criticized the process, which they considered “opaque, incomplete, unfair and fraudulent.” In addition, they warned that more than half of those released were common inmates and not prisoners for political reasons.
Shortly after, the Supreme People’s Court of Cuba revoked the releases of opponents José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro.
Ferrer went into exile last October after a “formal request” from Washington, as confirmed by the Cuban Government. Navarro, on the other hand, remains in prison.
With information from EFE
Get inspired, discover and share. Follow us and find what you are looking for on our Instagram!
