In Miami's Little Havana, relatives of Cubans imprisoned by Havana's communist regime raised their voices this week to highlight their loved ones' plight. This comes during a period of heightened tension between Washington and Havana, as reported by Local 10.
The political backdrop is significant: Last Wednesday, the U.S. Senate narrowly voted 51-47 against a resolution led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine. This resolution aimed to curtail President Donald Trump's war powers concerning Cuba.
Personal Stories of Struggle
Ailex Marcano has endured five years of heartache and prayer since her only son, Ángel Jesús Véliz Marcano, was detained in Camagüey following the historic July 11, 2021 protests. "Freedom for my son, I beg you, Lord," Marcano expressed to Local 10.
Ángel, a 31-year-old physical education teacher, was sentenced to six years in prison and is currently held at Kilo 9 Prison in Camagüey, where human rights organizations report he suffers from malnutrition. Marcano, who previously traveled to Geneva with the Cuban Human Rights Organization to raise international awareness, speaks out publicly at her family's behest.
Voices of Dissent
Jorge Luis García Pérez, known as Antúnez, also spoke out. A prominent Cuban dissident, Antúnez spent over 17 years imprisoned for his anti-communist stance. He revealed that his brother, religious leader Loreto Hernández García, and sister-in-law, Donaida Pérez Paseiro, are serving sentences of seven and eight years, respectively, due to their participation in human rights demonstrations in Placetas, Villa Clara.
"The issue of political prisoners pains me," declared García Pérez, who further asserted that Cuba will not see change without a complete governmental overhaul.
Government's Denial vs. Reality
Despite these cries for justice, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel persists in denying the truth. In an interview with NBC News aired on April 12, he labeled the presence of political prisoners in the country as a "big lie" and "slander."
This stance sharply contrasts with data from independent organizations. Prisoners Defenders documented a historic high of 1,250 political prisoners by the end of March 2026, including 145 women and at least 33 minors. Meanwhile, Justicia 11J reported 775 political prisoners in April, 338 of whom were sentenced for the July 11 protests.
Energy Crisis Worsens the Situation
The energy crisis further complicates matters. Since President Trump's Executive Order on January 29, 2026, imposing secondary sanctions on countries exporting oil to Cuba, the island has received only one fuel shipment per month—far short of the eight needed. This has resulted in blackouts affecting 64% of the country in March.
Moreover, the Easter amnesty on April 2 pardoned 2,010 individuals for common crimes but explicitly excluded those charged with sedition and contempt, the same charges the regime uses to imprison protesters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Political Prisoners in Cuba
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
As of March 2026, independent organizations have documented a record number of 1,250 political prisoners, including women and minors, highlighting the human rights abuses under the Cuban regime.
How has the energy crisis affected Cuba?
Due to secondary sanctions imposed by the U.S., Cuba receives only one fuel shipment monthly, leading to widespread blackouts that affected 64% of the country in March 2026.
Have there been any recent amnesties for political prisoners in Cuba?
The Easter amnesty on April 2 pardoned 2,010 individuals for common crimes, but specifically excluded those imprisoned for charges related to political dissent, such as sedition and contempt.