Eight individuals associated with the opposition movement Cuba Primero are expected to stand trial on May 28 in Las Tunas, according to reports from the organization Justicia 11J, which cites family sources.
Prosecutor Iany Fernández Jomarrón is seeking sentences ranging from six to nine years in prison for alleged offenses of "propaganda against the constitutional order," charges founded solely on the defendants' affiliation with the movement and their critical posts on social media.
Seven out of the eight defendants have been held in provisional detention for over two years, a situation that Justicia 11J describes as "the prolonged use of provisional detention as a political punishment."
A legal document reviewed by the organization outlines the requested sentences: Javier Reyes Peña (nine years), Guillermo Carralero López (eight years), Adisbel Mendoza Barroso (eight years), Carlos Manuel Santiesteban Saavedra (seven years), Carlos Alberto McDonald Ennis (seven years), Enrique González Infante (seven years), Pedro Carlos Camacho Ochoa (seven years), and Maikel Hill Ramírez (six years).
The group includes individuals with health issues, and at least one defendant is under extrapenal measures due to medical reasons.
Health Concerns and Isolation
Pedro Carlos Camacho Ochoa and Javier Reyes Peña are reportedly being held in solitary confinement in punishment cells at Las Tunas Provincial Prison, known as "El Típico," despite not having committed any infractions, as per family sources cited by Justicia 11J.
Camacho Ochoa, aged 27, was detained on April 3, 2024. He is documented by Prisoners Defenders as having serious health issues, including a personality disorder and hypertension. Previously, he was fined 3,000 pesos for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests.
Human Rights Concerns
The Provincial Prison of Las Tunas has been criticized by human rights organizations for its inhumane conditions: lack of medication, denial of medical care, water supply issues, and the use of common prisoners to harass Cuban political prisoners.
This case reflects the repressive pattern maintained by the Cuban regime since the 11J protests when thousands of Cubans took to the streets in the largest popular demonstration in decades.
None of the eight accused face charges related to acts of violence; instead, the charges are based solely on their association with the movement and their expressions on social media.
The Cuban Prosecutor's Office has sought sentences of up to 12 years for other activists in similar situations, while young Cubans have received sentences ranging from five to four years for offenses similarly tied to freedom of expression.
Justicia 11J warns about "the criminalization of freedom of expression and association in Cuba, as well as the violations of due process" in this case, which could be resolved in just five days if the court confirms the May 28 date.
Key Questions About the Upcoming Trial
What are the charges against the individuals linked to Cuba Primero?
They are accused of "propaganda against the constitutional order," based on their affiliation with the movement and their critical social media posts.
Why are human rights organizations concerned about the prison conditions?
Las Tunas Provincial Prison is criticized for inhumane conditions, including a lack of medication, denial of medical care, and harassment of political prisoners by common inmates.
How long have the defendants been held in provisional detention?
Seven of the eight defendants have been in provisional detention for over two years.