Luis Robles Elizástigui, widely recognized as "the young man with the sign," conveyed his appreciation to those who championed his freedom with a brief yet heartfelt message on Thursday. On his Facebook page, Robles shared, "Thank you to everyone who hoped for this moment."
This message came shortly after Robles was released on parole, having served nearly the entirety of a five-year sentence. This sentence was imposed in 2021 after he peacefully protested on the Boulevard San Rafael in Havana. His release was confirmed by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH)
According to Robles' mother, speaking to the OCDH, the political prisoner has returned home, marking the end of his incarceration. However, he remains under parole conditions that restrict his movements and activities. Robles' arrest for holding a sign demanding an end to repression and the release of political prisoners has become a symbol of the fight for freedom of expression in Cuba. This brief note of gratitude, shared after his release, not only signifies Robles' personal relief but also acknowledges the relentless efforts of those who advocated for his freedom. According to his mother, Yindra Elizástigui Jardines, via CubaNet, Robles was transferred to the La Lima correctional work camp in Guanabacoa on June 3, 2024. Previously, he was held at a facility known as El 18, near the El Pitirre (15-80) prison, where authorities denied him parole. The young man from Guantánamo was sentenced to five years for displaying a sign on the Boulevard San Rafael in Havana, calling for an end to repression and the liberation of political prisoners. He was charged with "enemy propaganda" and "disobedience," allegations that human rights defenders deem baseless. Initially, Robles was incarcerated at the Combinado del Este, a high-security prison. After persistent complaints from his family, he was moved to minimum-security facilities, including Zona Cero and El 18, before his final transfer to La Lima. In October, Elizástigui reported that State Security threatened her son in prison due to her public statements on social media demanding his release. She revealed that a political police agent visited the La Lima correctional work camp in Guanabacoa, where Robles was held, warning him there would be repercussions if his mother continued speaking out. In May 2024, Cuban authorities denied Robles Elizástigui's parole request, despite him being eligible for it since April. Luis Robles was arrested for holding a sign in Havana's Boulevard San Rafael, demanding an end to repression and the release of political prisoners, actions which led to charges of "enemy propaganda" and "disobedience." Luis Robles was released on parole, which imposes restrictions on his movements and activities as part of the conditions for his release. His arrest and subsequent imprisonment became a symbol of the struggle for freedom of expression in Cuba, drawing attention from human rights advocates and international organizations.Understanding Luis Robles' Case and Release
Why was Luis Robles arrested?
What conditions apply to Luis Robles' release?
How did Luis Robles' case become significant?