Carolina Barrero, head of the organization Citizenship and Freedom, responded with a touch of irony to the criticisms from opposition figure Antonio Rodiles regarding her organization. She also publicly distanced herself from Manuel Cuesta Morúa's stance on a potential amnesty that could benefit members of the Cuban regime. Barrero expressed her views during an interview with Tania Costa on CiberCuba, speaking from Berlin.
Previously, Rodiles had mentioned Citizenship and Freedom in a CiberCuba interview, discussing organizations that secure funding. Barrero's response was devoid of direct confrontation: "I appreciate Rodiles thinking that way. I consider it a great compliment."
She took the opportunity to clarify a misconception: while Citizenship and Freedom collaborates with the Council for Democratic Transition (CTDC), it is not part of it. "We do not belong to the Council but work with them on numerous projects," Barrero explained.
The organization is, however, a member of the Amnesty Action Forum 2026, established on February 5, 2026, which unites over 50 Cuban civil society organizations.
Commitment to Amnesty and Legal Support
Barrero shared that her personal commitment to the amnesty initiative began on July 12, 2021, shortly after the events of July 11, when she was among the first activists to support this cause from within Cuba.
Regarding the Forum's specific activities, she detailed that Citizenship and Freedom provided legal and logistical support to Wilber Aguilar and a group of 34 families who, in January 2024, submitted the first official letter to the National Assembly requesting amnesty. "Wilber Aguilar has been a noble figure among Cuban families, showing extraordinary bravery," she stated.
Amnesty Law and Justice
The draft amnesty law that the Forum is developing covers the period of political violence from 1959 to the present. It includes reparations for all political prisoners, even those already released, and proposes a law to decriminalize dissent.
"All political prisoners, as seen in Venezuela, could be released tomorrow, yet more could be imprisoned the next day. That is not the goal," Barrero argued.
The discussion reached a peak of tension when addressing Cuesta Morúa's proposal, which suggested an amnesty that might also benefit regime members. Barrero was forthright: "I oppose that. What we need is justice."
Justice Versus Impunity
The activist clearly distinguished between justice and retribution: "Justice is certainly not retribution. Justice must adhere to due process laws. We cannot become like them, but justice must prevail."
Beyond criminal justice, Barrero advocated for implementing lustration in Cuba—a mechanism used in Eastern Europe after communism's fall to prevent former officials of totalitarian regimes from holding public office. "I firmly believe that in Cuba, many associated with the regime should not continue holding government positions," she maintained.
She cited Russia as an example: "If lustration had been applied in Russia, there wouldn't be a Vladimir Putin today."
Barrero also referenced Pedro Luis Boitel, a political prisoner who died on hunger strike in 1972 under regime custody, to highlight institutional responsibility: "If Pedro Luis Boitel died while he was head of prisons, that is his responsibility."
"There can be no impunity. We must not send a message to history that there will be impunity for tyrants. We need to close that chapter and make it clear to history that there will be consequences for those who have committed or participated in such acts, whether or not they were following orders," Barrero concluded.
Understanding Carolina Barrero's Position on Amnesty and Justice
What is Carolina Barrero's stance on the proposed amnesty for Cuban regime members?
Carolina Barrero opposes the idea of an amnesty that would benefit members of the Cuban regime, advocating instead for justice and adherence to the due process of law.
How does Citizenship and Freedom support the amnesty initiative in Cuba?
Citizenship and Freedom provides legal and logistical support to families advocating for amnesty, such as assisting Wilber Aguilar and others in submitting formal requests to the National Assembly.
What example does Barrero use to illustrate the need for justice in Cuba?
Barrero references Pedro Luis Boitel, a political prisoner who died in 1972, to emphasize the importance of holding individuals accountable for institutional responsibilities.