Professor Pedro Albert Refuses Probation: "I Won't Be Used as a Bargaining Chip"

On January 16, Professor Pedro Albert Sánchez received an unexpected visit at his home from a high-ranking officer of Cuba's political police, known as Major Denis. This State Security official proposed exchanging his current temporary release, which lasts for a year and expires in November 2025, for a probationary release. "I didn't accept it. I didn't sign. I didn't even read it. They won't use me as a bargaining chip to get Cuba off the terrorism list," Albert declared.

Professor Albert explained that there are two main reasons he can't agree to any deal with the regime's political police. The first reason would imply admitting guilt for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests, which he insists is not true. He communicated this in a video posted on his wife Ana Elvis Amaya's Facebook page.

The second reason is that accepting the offer could be seen as validating the regime's actions and their claim to justice, particularly in light of the recent release of 553 prisoners as part of an agreement with the Vatican, coinciding with the end of Joe Biden's presidency and Cuba's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Albert clarified that if State Security had approached him a few days earlier, before Cuba was taken off the terrorism list, he might have considered accepting due to his deteriorating health condition. "Initially, my health improved significantly during the first month of freedom, but it has deteriorated again. At the Oncology center, I not only have to deal with prostate issues—there's no reagent for the PSA test recently—but also with dental problems. I've also scheduled consultations for head and neck issues. If they had come a few days earlier, given my age and declining health, I might have signed because I feel I've done what I can, and others will need to continue what I can no longer do. But I won't be used as a bargaining chip," he emphasized.

"That's why I didn't sign. That's why I won't sign. I'm prepared to go back to prison once more, even to the point of death. It's that simple," he asserted.

Nevertheless, Pedro Albert does not judge those who have accepted the terms proposed for their release. "I'm very respectful. My choice was not to accept it. Some criticize Ferrer for whether he accepted or not. When José Daniel Ferrer was imprisoned years ago, I was raising my children without getting into trouble. That's why I take off my hat to Ferrer repeatedly and feel immense joy that he is out of jail. I don't know what conditions he accepted or if he was released unconditionally. Friends, brothers, and sisters: one must be behind bars day after day to understand the extent of human endurance. Had I been 37 or 40 years old raising two young kids, I might have accepted. That's why I don't want to judge others or put words in their mouths. I'm sharing my perspective. I would have liked others to do what I've done, but that's not what I'm asking for."

To those who have praised his courage, Albert reminds them, "When you have convictions, courage follows. I'm very willing. Don't see this as a great feat. My stance is not one that everyone should adopt. Each person should have their own criteria and take their own stance. And be respectful of others' actions," he concluded.

Professor Pedro Albert Sánchez, 67, suffers from prostate cancer and was imprisoned for several months following the government crackdown after the protests on July 11 in Cuba, in which he participated. In December 2023, he was jailed again when a court revoked his limited freedom (he is sentenced to five years). During his last imprisonment, he refused to wear a prison uniform and went on a hunger strike in the 1580 prison of San Miguel del Padrón. Amnesty International recognizes him as a prisoner of conscience.