In a recent move, Cuban state television utilized its prime time slot to issue a stark warning to political prisoners who have been released over the past few weeks. The message was clear: any perceived violations of the conditions for their release could result in their return to incarceration.
During a segment on the official program "Razones de Cuba," hosted by Humberto López, it was emphasized that these releases do not represent an amnesty. Instead, the former prisoners remain under the strict scrutiny of the regime. López stated that the early release processes announced on January 14 are "legitimate acts of a sovereign state, clearly regulated by existing laws."
He further insisted that the benefits granted come with "clear and obligatory requirements," warning that any breach would lead to a "revocation of the benefit" and a "return to the penitentiary." This statement also criticized activists and opposition members who have condemned these releases as a manipulative tactic by the regime to enhance its international image.
López accused these activists, labeling them as "digital space terrorists," of encouraging the released individuals to defy the imposed conditions, risking their re-incarceration. "Those who heed these calls will not lead a normal life," López warned, a statement many see as a thinly veiled threat.
The report highlighted that Cuba's Penal Execution Law allows the revocation of parole if the individual "violates any established obligations or is convicted of a new offense." In terms of extra-penal licenses, re-incarceration could occur if the individual fails to "maintain good conduct." The report asserted that the release process was carried out as an act of "humanitarian political will" towards the Vatican, under the guise of a "socialist state of law and social justice."
This televised intervention comes amid rising tensions, as the Cuban regime abruptly halted the release of political prisoners after the initial weeks of liberation—a move criticized by international organizations and Cuban civil society groups. The public threat campaign against the released individuals strengthens these critiques and questions the sincerity of the releases, which have often been accompanied by state pressure and surveillance.
Second Broadcast of the Warning: Is Fear Spreading in the Regime?
This marks the second time in less than a month that Humberto López has delivered a similar message on Cuban television, underscoring the regime’s stance that these releases do not equate to full freedom for the political prisoners. In his first broadcast, López also addressed the released individuals and their families with warnings about the risk of re-incarceration if they fail to comply with government-imposed conditions.
The regime’s hardened rhetoric comes against a backdrop of increasing international pressure. The United States has condemned the persecution of opposition leaders like José Daniel Ferrer and emphasized that the releases are inadequate without genuine democratic reform in Cuba. The U.S. Embassy in Havana recently reiterated its call for the unconditional release of all political prisoners.
The regime framed the releases announced on January 14 as an act of "political will," but human rights organizations have denounced it as a strategy to alleviate international pressure without truly altering the government’s repressive structure. This was further highlighted by Cuba’s return to the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the Trump administration, reversing a previous decision and causing Havana to immediately halt the release process negotiated with Joe Biden.
Of the 553 prisoners the Cuban regime promised to release, only a fraction have been freed, and the process has been suspended without official explanation. According to a recent report by the non-governmental organization Justicia 11J, 145 political prisoners have been released, out of more than 1,000 reported by groups like Prisoners Defenders, Cubalex, and the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH).
Meanwhile, independent media and activists have reported on the surveillance and harassment faced by those released, who, according to testimonies, have been summoned for interrogations and warned about their public behavior. The #TODOS initiative, a data journalism platform, has documented these cases and continues to monitor the situation of the freed political prisoners.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Political Prisoner Releases
Why are the releases of Cuban political prisoners controversial?
The releases are seen as a tactic by the Cuban regime to improve its international image without making real changes to its repressive policies.
What conditions are imposed on released Cuban political prisoners?
Released prisoners must adhere to strict conditions, and any violations could lead to their re-incarceration.
How has the international community responded to the situation in Cuba?
The international community, including the United States, has condemned the persecution of opposition leaders and called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners.
What organizations are monitoring the situation of released prisoners in Cuba?
Groups like Justicia 11J, Prisoners Defenders, Cubalex, and the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) are actively monitoring and reporting on the situation.