A billboard advocating for the freedom of Cuban political prisoners was taken down in Santa Marta, Colombia, the venue for the CELAC-EU Summit.
Positioned near the entrance of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta, the billboard called for the liberation of individuals imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This was reported by the Institute on Race and Equality, the organization responsible for its installation.
According to the NGO's statement, "The billboard was removed in less than 24 hours on orders from the Santa Marta Mayor's Office, citing alleged directives prohibiting the display of 'political content' messages during the CELAC-EU Summit."
The Institute on Race and Equality condemned the action, declaring, "This act constitutes censorship and infringes on our right to freedom of expression! We will continue to expose human rights violations and demand democracy and freedom in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
This Sunday marked the opening of the Fourth Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU) in the Colombian city of Santa Marta.
The Cuban regime's delegation is led by Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa.
Colombia's leftist president, Gustavo Petro, remains one of the few allies of the Cuban regime in the region. Recently, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his support for Petro amid tensions with the Trump Administration.
Insights on the CELAC-EU Summit and Political Prisoners
Why was the billboard removed in Santa Marta?
The billboard was removed by order of Santa Marta's Mayor's Office, citing rules against displaying political content during the CELAC-EU Summit.
What was the message on the billboard?
The billboard called for the release of political prisoners in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
Who leads the Cuban delegation at the summit?
The Cuban delegation is led by Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa.
What is the stance of Colombia's president on the Cuban regime?
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is one of the few remaining allies of the Cuban regime in the region.