Freedom House has called for the immediate release of Jonathan Muir Burgos, a 16-year-old Cuban who has been detained in the maximum-security Canaleta prison, Ciego de Ávila, since March 16. His imprisonment followed his involvement in protests against power outages and shortages in Morón.
The pro-democracy organization, based in Washington D.C., expressed their stance on X, describing the young man's detention as "a chilling reminder that the Cuban regime is willing to imprison even minors for exercising their fundamental rights to free expression and peaceful assembly."
"No child should face imprisonment for raising their voice. Cuba must immediately release Jonathan Muir and all political prisoners," declared Freedom House.
The call to action was echoed on the day Jonathan's father, evangelical pastor Elier Muir Ávila, reported that his son was being physically assaulted by common criminals at the instigation of State Security.
"Dad, they are already sending inmates after me, to beat me, to harm me," the teenager confessed to his father, according to Elier's testimony.
"His life is in danger. They want to paint him as one of the main leaders of the protest and accuse him of setting fire to the Party headquarters," warned Jonathan's father, holding the Cuban government, State Security, and prison authorities directly accountable.
Jonathan was detained alongside his father on March 16 when they responded to a police summons in Morón, days after joining the March 13 protests triggered by power cuts lasting over 26 hours daily and severe food shortages.
While his father was released hours later, Jonathan was moved first to the DTI in Ciego de Ávila and then to Canaleta, an adult prison, despite being only 16 years old.
The Morón Municipal Prosecutor's Office has charged him with sabotage, an offense that carries a potential prison sentence of 7 to 15 years.
The People's Provincial Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed on his behalf on March 26.
The regime ignored both a request from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) sent to Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and Resolution 30/2026, through which the IACHR granted the youth precautionary measures due to the irreparable risk to his life, personal integrity, and health.
Jonathan's health situation is dire: he suffers from severe dyshidrosis, streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, two untreated intestinal parasites, and vasovagal crises leading to disorientation and malnutrition.
He receives only a single daily meal in a disposable cup, and none of the four medical specialists he requires have been made available to him, as reported by his father following a visit last Tuesday, where he saw his son weeping behind bars.
José Daniel Ferrer García, leader of UNPACU, shared the father's account and condemned: "Only a criminal tyranny orders what they are doing to Jonathan Muir Burgos, a 16-year-old sick teenager, suffering from severe health problems in Canaleta prison."
The statement from Freedom House coincided with the release of the monthly report from Prisoners Defenders, which recorded a new high of 1,260 political prisoners in Cuba at the end of April 2026, including 35 minors, 142 women, and 449 individuals with serious health issues.
Jonathan has an upcoming medical appointment at a hospital in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, May 20, rescheduled for the eighth time since 2023 due to delays in obtaining a humanitarian visa.
Understanding the Plight of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why was Jonathan Muir Burgos arrested?
Jonathan Muir Burgos was arrested for his participation in protests against power outages and shortages in Morón, Cuba. He faces charges of sabotage, which could lead to a prison sentence of 7 to 15 years.
What are the health concerns for Jonathan Muir Burgos in prison?
Jonathan suffers from severe dyshidrosis, infections, untreated intestinal parasites, and vasovagal crises, leading to disorientation and malnutrition. His health is at serious risk, and he is not receiving the necessary medical attention.
How has the international community responded to Jonathan Muir's situation?
Organizations like Freedom House and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have called for Jonathan's release, highlighting the violation of his fundamental rights. The IACHR granted precautionary measures, recognizing the irreparable risks to his life and health.