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The platform Justicia 11J reported this Thursday that the Cuban regime has reportedly resumed the release of political prisoners, following more than a month of pause in granting prison benefits and multiple calls from the international community.
"In Justicia 11J, we have received information suggesting that releases have resumed as a result of negotiations.", señaló la organización.
Among those released this Thursday are Iván Mauricio Arocha Arocha, Brusnelvis Adrián Cabrera Gutiérrez, Ohaurys Rondón Rivero, and Yaquelin Castillo García.
Recent releases of political prisoners
The political prisoner from the 11J protests, Iván Mauricio Arocha Arocha, was released on Thursday, January 27, presumably as part of the regime's announcement regarding the "granting of freedom to 553 people sanctioned for various offenses," made in the context of negotiations with the United States.
Arocha Arocha is one of the six members of the Arocha Quiala family who were arrested during the protests in Caney, Santiago de Cuba.
For his part, the 11J political prisoner Brusnelvis Adrián Cabrera Gutiérrez was also released today under the terms of probation.
In August 2023, her mother was informed that she would face a new trial for the offense of "disturbances in penitentiary establishments," after protesting against the harassment by the authorities during a family visit.
The opposition member Ohaurys Rondón Rivero, part of the Movement of Opponents for a New Republic (MONR), also received probation on the same day as part of the release process.
Her case was one of those highlighted through the Justice 11J campaign in 2023, "Call to Action for Political Prisoners."
Similarly, the political prisoner from the 11J, Yaquelin Castillo García, was released today under similar conditions.
José Daniel Ferrer confirms releases
The opposition leader, José Daniel Ferrer, who was part of the first group of released political prisoners, confirmed the release of Iván Mauricio Arocha Arocha.
"I was told that Iván Arocha was released today from the Boniato Prison, and that others will be transferred to the 'Mar Verde' prison for their subsequent release," Ferrer stated.
Warning about the type of release from custody
Despite these releases, the Cuban authorities have made it clear that this is not a process of amnesty or pardon. Last month, Maricela Sosa Ravelo, vice president of the Supreme Court, stated:
"It is neither an amnesty nor a pardon," as these would imply the complete extinction of the sanction.
Instead, the regime is implementing "early release benefits," which require those released to comply with conditions imposed by the authorities, such as "demonstrating good behavior," under the threat of being re-arrested if the regime so decides.
The releases were put on hold at the end of January, following the prison release of around 172 people.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why has the Cuban regime resumed the release of political prisoners?
The Cuban regime has resumed the release of political prisoners as a result of negotiations with the United States and mediation by the Vatican. This measure comes after international pressure and a period of pause in the process of granting prison benefits to individuals incarcerated for political reasons.
What kind of releases are taking place in Cuba?
The releases in Cuba do not involve amnesty or pardons; instead, they are being applied as "early release benefits". These releases require the freed individuals to meet imposed conditions, such as demonstrating good behavior, under the threat of being re-arrested if the regime so decides.
What have been the international reactions to the releases in Cuba?
Excarcerations have been seen as a positive gesture, but insufficient, by the international community. Organizations such as Amnesty International have demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners unconditionally, and have criticized the regime for using prisoners as bargaining chips in political negotiations.
What implications do the releases have for the freed political prisoners?
Released political prisoners in Cuba face strict restrictions, such as a ban on leaving their cities of residence and limitations on expressing themselves on social media or to the press. These conditions demonstrate that release does not guarantee full freedom and keeps them under constant surveillance.
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