On Tuesday morning, El Típico Provincial Prison in Las Tunas witnessed a significant presence of State Security agents and other regime forces. This heightened security accompanies the trial of eight activists from the opposition group Cuba Primero, as reported by the organization Cubalex.
The proceedings are being held within the prison itself, a move that, according to Cubalex, prevents family members, independent observers, and citizens from attending, effectively turning the trial into a closed-door session.
These eight activists have been detained since March and April 2024. Cubalex highlights that none face charges related to violent actions. Instead, their prosecution stems from their association with Cuba Primero and their critical social media posts against the government.
The prosecution is seeking sentences ranging from six to nine years. Javier Reyes Peña faces a nine-year sentence; Guillermo Carralero López and Adisbel Mendoza Barroso, eight years; Pedro Carlos Camacho Ochoa, Carlos Manuel Santiesteban Saavedra, and Enrique González Infante, seven years; and Maikel Hill Ramírez, six years.
The eighth defendant, Carlos Alberto McDonald Ennis, was released on bail shortly before the trial due to severe health issues. Cubalex reports that he left prison weighing only 48 kilograms, suffering from severe malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, and a nasal tumor.
Authorities justified holding the trial within the prison by citing a lack of fuel to transport the defendants to court. However, Cubalex argues that this reasoning lacks legal grounds and notes that this same excuse was previously used to delay the trial initially set for May 28, when defense lawyers also couldn't travel.
The organization asserts that Cuban procedural law mandates trials to be oral and public, with exceptions only in extraordinary circumstances like national security, public order, or morality—none of which, Cubalex contends, apply here.
Furthermore, they point out that existing regulations allow for alternatives, such as using technological means, to ensure the trial's publicity without needing to transport the defendants.
Prior to the trial's commencement, two defendants, Javier Reyes Peña and Pedro Carlos Camacho Ochoa, were placed in solitary confinement on May 20 under the pretext of "security measures." Both had contracted chikungunya while imprisoned.
Cuba Primero, founded by Cuban-American businessman Armando Labrador, based in Miami, advocates for democratic transition and free elections in Cuba. In July 2025, the Cuban government added the group to its national list of individuals and organizations linked to terrorism, a designation not recognized by international human rights organizations.
The trial is occurring amid escalating repression against dissent. According to Prisoners Defenders, as of May 2026, Cuba had 1,281 political prisoners, the highest number recorded by the organization.
Cubalex has demanded an "immediate end to the military coercion around the court" and holds the Cuban State accountable for the defendants' physical well-being and the upholding of due process guarantees.
Key Questions About the Trial of Cuba Primero Activists
Why is the trial being held inside the prison?
Authorities claim the trial is held in the prison due to a lack of fuel to transport defendants, but this justification is disputed by Cubalex as lacking legal basis.
What are the charges against the Cuba Primero activists?
The activists are not charged with violent acts; instead, they face prosecution for their association with Cuba Primero and their critical stance against the government on social media.
What is Cuba Primero?
Cuba Primero is an opposition movement founded by Cuban-American Armando Labrador, advocating for democratic reforms and free elections in Cuba.