The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Wednesday against four Cuban judicial officials —three judges and a prosecutor— for their involvement in the arbitrary detention and sentencing of young protester Luis Robles Elizástigui, who was imprisoned in 2020 after peacefully protesting in Havana with a sign calling for freedom and an end to repression.
The individuals sanctioned are prosecutor Yanaisa Matos Legrá and judges Gladys María Padrón Canals, María Elena Fornari Conde, and Juan Sosa Orama, all associated with the Provincial Popular Tribunal of Havana, the State Department announced in a statement.
The measure imposes entry restrictions to the United States for both these officials and their immediate family members.
"As a result, these regime officials and their families are not eligible to enter the United States. The four work at the Provincial People's Court of Havana, where they oversaw the prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of Robles Elizástigui on behalf of the regime," the statement clarifies.
Elizástigui was arrested for peacefully supporting the Cuban rapper Denis Solís and was sentenced to five years in prison for the crimes of 'enemy propaganda' and 'disobedience'.
"The judges and prosecutors acting as agents of the regime —and not as part of an independent judiciary— play a crucial role in these arbitrary arrests and prosecutions," he emphasizes.
It adds that the sanctioned judges "are responsible for the simulated legal processes that unfairly target, condemn, and sentence individuals for peaceful expressions and activism. This also applies to the re-arrest of political prisoners who are returned to prison for frivolous reasons, as is the case with José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro."
A senior official from the State Department stated that this action "reaffirms the Trump Administration's commitment to holding accountable those who violate human rights in Cuba."
He also emphasized that judges and prosecutors, far from representing an independent judiciary, act as agents of the Cuban regime and are responsible for politicized and arbitrary judicial processes.
Luis Robles was released in January 2025 after serving most of his sentence. The case was widely condemned by international organizations, and in 2022, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention deemed his imprisonment arbitrary and unjust.
The State Department reminded that the young man was prosecuted solely for carrying a sign with the phrase: “Freedom, no more repression, #FreeDenis”. “This disproportionate response highlights the regime's intolerance towards dissent and the lack of fundamental freedoms on the island,” it noted.
The Trump Administration reiterated its support for the Cuban people and its intention to use all available tools to defend their rights and promote accountability for officials involved in abuses.
"These sanctions send a clear message: those who participate in repression will not go unpunished," concluded the statement.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Sanctions on Cuban Officials in the Luis Robles Case
Why did the U.S. sanction Cuban officials in the case of Luis Robles?
The United States sanctioned Cuban judicial officials for their involvement in the arbitrary detention and sentencing of protester Luis Robles, who was imprisoned in 2020 for peacefully protesting in Havana. This measure aims to hold accountable those who violate human rights in Cuba.
Who are the Cuban officials sanctioned by the U.S.?
The sanctioned individuals are prosecutor Yanaisa Matos Legrá and judges Gladys María Padrón Canals, María Elena Fornari Conde, and Juan Sosa Orama, all associated with the Provincial Popular Court of Havana. These sanctions involve entry restrictions to the United States for them as well as for their immediate family members.
What was the reason for Luis Robles' arrest?
Luis Robles was arrested for peacefully protesting in Havana with a sign calling for freedom and an end to repression, in support of Cuban rapper Denis Solís. He was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of "enemy propaganda" and "disobedience," which has been widely criticized by human rights organizations.
What is the U.S. stance on human rights in Cuba?
The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to hold accountable those who violate human rights in Cuba, using all available tools to defend the rights of the Cuban people. The U.S. condemns the repression and the lack of fundamental freedoms on the island, urging the release of all political prisoners.
How was Luis Robles' release from imprisonment?
Luis Robles was released on parole after serving most of his sentence. Although he is at home, the imposed restrictions limit his freedom of movement and expression. His case has become a symbol of the fight for freedom of expression in Cuba.
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