Amnesty International Americas has launched an Urgent Action, calling for the immediate release of Jonathan David Muir Burgos, a 16-year-old Cuban boy imprisoned alongside adults in Cuba for his involvement in protests in Morón, Ciego de Ávila.
The document, tagged as AU 49/26 (index AMR 25/1001/2026), identifies Jonathan as a prisoner of conscience and suggests his situation is part of a broader trend of criminalizing peaceful protests in Cuba.
On March 16, Jonathan was detained along with his father, evangelical pastor Elier Muir Ávila. They were responding to a police summons following protests on March 13, when numerous residents took to the streets of Morón after enduring over eight consecutive days of banging pots in protest of power outages exceeding 26 hours.
While his father was released within hours, Jonathan was first taken to the Technical Investigations Department in Ciego de Ávila and subsequently transferred to Canaleta, a high-security adult prison.
Health Concerns and Legal Challenges
The Municipal Prosecutor's Office in Morón has charged him with "sabotage," a crime that carries a potential sentence ranging from seven to 15 years in prison.
Jonathan's health has significantly worsened while in custody. He suffers from severe dyshidrosis, streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, two untreated intestinal parasites, vasovagal crises causing disorientation, and malnutrition, receiving only one meager meal per day in a disposable cup.
His family has publicly expressed their distress, noting his fragile and emotionally distressed state during prison visits. The father reported that his son is being targeted by common criminals, allegedly at the instigation of State Security: “Dad, they’re setting the prisoners against me to harm me,” the teenager confided.
His mother, Minervina Burgos López, conveyed to NTN24 that her son desperately pleads, “Please get me out of here, mom. I can’t stand being in this place.”
Amnesty International's Call to Action
Amnesty International is urging Cuban authorities to release Jonathan immediately, relocate him away from adult detention centers, provide him with adequate medical care, and ensure his regular access to family visits and legal assistance.
The organization also encourages the public to send letters to President Miguel Díaz-Canel, demanding the boy’s release and the cessation of severe criminal charges against those peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
International Response and Regime's Indifference
The international community's response has grown, yet the regime remains unresponsive. The Provincial Popular Tribunal dismissed a habeas corpus request in March, and in April, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures to Jonathan, acknowledging the potential for irreparable harm to his rights to life, personal integrity, and health. The regime has ignored this decision.
On May 16, Freedom House joined the call for Jonathan’s release, describing his detention as “a chilling reminder that the Cuban regime is willing to imprison even minors for exercising their fundamental rights.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Jonathan Muir's Case
Why is Jonathan Muir considered a prisoner of conscience?
Amnesty International has labeled Jonathan Muir as a prisoner of conscience because he was detained for participating in peaceful protests, which is considered an expression of his right to free speech.
What are the health issues Jonathan is facing in prison?
Jonathan is suffering from severe dyshidrosis, infections from streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria, two untreated intestinal parasites, vasovagal crises, and malnutrition, receiving only minimal food daily.
What has been the international response to Jonathan's detention?
The international community, including organizations like the IACHR and Freedom House, has called for Jonathan’s release and criticized the Cuban regime for its willingness to imprison minors for peaceful protests.