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Civil Society Launches Campaign to Highlight the Plight of Political Prisoners in Cuba

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 by Madison Pena

The Cuban civil society has initiated a campaign to bring attention to the plight of over a thousand political prisoners held in Cuban jails for exercising their right to free expression and peaceful protest. The non-governmental organization 'Not One More Political Prisoner in Cuba' announced the official launch of its campaign on Monday to "highlight the situation of those incarcerated for political reasons in Cuba."

"Thousands of voices have been silenced, and hundreds of families destroyed by a regime that seeks to stifle freedom. We cannot allow this to continue. Join us in this fight for freedom," the NGO declared on its social media platforms. Their message was accompanied by a short video featuring activist Jonatan López, who described the situation in Cuba as "alarming" due to the increased repression and violence from the regime's desire to retain power.

"Every day, a growing number of people are deprived of their freedom simply for thinking differently. The Cuban government has even gone to the extent of threatening the death penalty on national television for those who dare to protest in the streets," the activist explained.

Grassroots Initiative Led by Young Activists

This initiative, spearheaded by young activists committed to the plight of Cuban political prisoners, emerged from the urgent need to address the severity of the current historical moment. "Currently, there are 1,100 people incarcerated for political reasons in Cuba, facing torture and severe violations of their fundamental rights during their imprisonment," López said, citing reports from the NGO Prisoner Defenders.

In this context, 'Not One More Political Prisoner in Cuba' called for the support of all other actors in Cuban civil society "to generate a real impact." "Together, we can form a united front and extend our message further. Together, we can demand 'Not One More Political Prisoner'... to continue highlighting these brave Cubans who have raised their voices for change that benefits all of society," the organization emphasized.

The NGO 'Not One More Political Prisoner in Cuba' consists of a group of activists and defenders committed to promoting human rights in Cuba. Their primary mission is "to raise awareness about the plight of those incarcerated for political reasons in Cuba, both locally and internationally, and to foster a culture of respect and protection for human rights in Cuban society."

"We firmly believe in the power of collective effort and the possibility of achieving positive change in society. Therefore, we are open to collaborations with civil society organizations and individuals interested in supporting our cause," the members of the NGO stated.

According to their manifesto, the organization envisions a Cuba "where freedom of expression and thought is not only respected but celebrated as a fundamental pillar of a just and democratic society." "We aspire to a future where no citizen is persecuted or imprisoned for their political opinions, and where prisons do not hold those who peacefully fight for their ideals. In this future we strive to build, the international community recognizes and joins our cause, becoming part of a global movement that will not rest until the aspirations of freedom and equity for all Cubans are realized," the organization affirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Political Prisoners in Cuba

Below are some common questions and answers regarding the situation of political prisoners in Cuba, providing further insight into the current issues and the campaign launched by civil society.

What is the goal of the "Not One More Political Prisoner in Cuba" campaign?

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the plight of political prisoners in Cuba and to galvanize support from civil society and the international community to demand their release.

How many political prisoners are currently held in Cuba?

According to reports, there are currently 1,100 people imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba.

What kind of human rights abuses do these political prisoners face?

Political prisoners in Cuba reportedly face torture and severe violations of their fundamental rights during their incarceration.

Who is leading this campaign?

The campaign is led by young activists and members of the NGO 'Not One More Political Prisoner in Cuba,' who are committed to promoting human rights in the country.

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