Political Prisoners Saylí Navarro and Sissi Abascal Denied Reduced Sentences

The Cuban political prisoners, Saylí Navarro and Sissi Abascal, continue to endure harsh imprisonment conditions following the Cuban regime's recent refusal to grant them any leniency that might allow them to serve their sentences under less severe conditions. According to Annia Zamora, Abascal's mother, during a visit on Wednesday, January 22, she was informed that her daughter and Navarro were taken to the prison administration the previous day, where they were officially told that no penitentiary benefits would be granted.

"Saylí's request for a less severe sentence was denied for another six months. She will remain behind bars under strict conditions, just like last September," Zamora explained to Martí Noticias. In Abascal's case, any sentence reduction was refused, maintaining her status as a "negative prisoner" within the facility. "They only provide water at night, forcing them to bathe with dirty and cold water," her mother denounced, highlighting the inhumane conditions of detention that include cold, hunger, and extreme restrictions.

Félix Navarro, Saylí's father and a recently released political prisoner, described the situation as "criminal" and condemned the systematic repression against both activists. "They have been repressed from the start, their phone calls restricted, always under the watch of high-ranking officers," Navarro stated, announcing future protest actions to demand the release of the July 11 political prisoners. "We will raise our voices again in defense of our brothers," he declared.

Saylí Navarro was sentenced to eight years in prison for assault and public disorder, while Sissi Abascal received a six-year sentence for contempt, assault, and public disorder. Both were arrested following their involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests, where they demanded democratic changes and the release of political prisoners in Cuba.

An Atmosphere of Heightened Repression

The Cuban regime's refusal to grant penitentiary benefits occurs amid a climate of increased repressive measures against political prisoners. In recent days, the process of releases agreed upon with the Vatican was halted after President Donald Trump's administration re-listed Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism in January 2021. This decision stalled the release of political prisoners, despite the Cuban regime's claims that it was unrelated to the Biden administration's decision to remove Cuba from the list, a claim disputed by non-governmental organizations and Cuban civil society demanding adherence to agreed terms and the release of all political prisoners.

Reports from human rights organizations indicate that the tightening of prison conditions affects not only Navarro and Abascal but dozens of other July 11 prisoners who have faced extreme conditions, prolonged isolation, and severe communication restrictions with the outside world. Navarro and Abascal were sentenced for their participation in the peaceful July 11 protests, where thousands of Cubans took to the streets demanding freedom and better living conditions. Since their incarceration, both have reported mistreatment, lack of medical care, and deprivation of basic rights within the prison.

This situation has sparked growing international concern. The European Parliament, organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and governments such as the United States have repeatedly demanded the release of the Cuban political prisoners, deeming their sentences arbitrary and politically motivated. Meanwhile, the families of both political prisoners continue to demand justice and freedom for their daughters, vowing not to relent in their efforts until they are freed and reunited with their loved ones. "We cannot remain silent; we must continue to denounce these injustices," Félix Navarro concluded.