Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo Released from Santiago de Cuba Detention

The Cuban regime has released Protestant pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo, who had been imprisoned since the July 11, 2021 protests in the Palma Soriano municipality of Santiago de Cuba. According to Martí News, he is now under conditional release, monitored by the municipal court and "subject to the obligations established by law," which include work activities and other sanctions.

"These have been very difficult days, long days, sad days, and also very complicated. Even until the last moment, it was very tense," Rosales Fajardo shared upon his release. "We are not satisfied with what is happening because I was owed this. They have only given me what was due, but well, we thank God because now I can serve Him and also the community and the nation. So, pray for me so that I continue to give my best," he requested.

Rosales Fajardo, a Protestant pastor from the Church of Mount Zion in Palma Soriano, was sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of assault, incitement to commit a crime, and disrespect. The regime accused him of participating in a violent attack against law enforcement officers, attempting to forcibly enter the Communist Party headquarters, and injuring seven officers and one civilian, allegations he has consistently denied.

He was violently arrested by police and members of the feared Black Berets on the day of the national uprising. Initially, he was held in Boniato Maximum Security Prison before being moved to a less secure facility.

Anna Lee Stangl, the Advocacy Director at Christian Solidarity International, expressed her satisfaction with the pastor's release and with Donaida Pérez Paseiro, president of the Free Yorubas Association of Cuba. She called for the immediate release of Loreto Hernández García, Donaida's husband. "They have endured abusive treatment and have been forcibly separated from their spouses and children since July 2021," the statement read.