Five years ago, on July 11, 2021, thousands of Cubans took to the streets in historic nationwide protests, peacefully demanding freedom, dignity, and an end to dictatorship. The regime responded with mass arrests, sham trials, and systematic repression.
Five years later, persecution has intensified amid a severe humanitarian crisis. The number of political prisoners is approaching 1,300, the highest ever recorded, as authorities deploy digital surveillance and arbitrary detention to silence critics before protests even begin.
Political prisoners face torture, ill treatment, and incommunicado detention. Among them is Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo, co-author of the 2021 protest anthem “Patria y Vida,” who is serving nine years in prison. Nor has the regime spared children: it has jailed nine adolescents in this year so far alone.
HRF stands with the Cuban people and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. Cuba’s escalating repression will not silence those demanding freedom, democracy, and respect for fundamental rights.
