Three Cuban opposition groups in exile have organized an international forum this Friday, July 10, in Madrid to mark the fifth anniversary of the landmark July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba.
The event, named "Challenges for Cuba's Future," will take place at 5:00 PM at the Casa de la Libertad, located at 22 Lanzarote Street, San Sebastián de los Reyes.
This gathering was announced last Monday by the Cuban Classical Liberal Party (PLCC), the Civic Movement Somos +, and the Disidencias en Movimiento Association, under the banner "For Cuba's Freedom, Democracy, and Dignity."
Exploring Cuba's Democratic Future
According to the official announcement, the meeting aims to create a space for discussing political transition in Cuba.
"In light of the fifth anniversary of July 11, 2021, a date symbolizing the Cuban people's struggle for freedom, [the organizations] call for the International Forum 'Challenges for Cuba's Future,' an essential dialogue on the nation's democratic future," the statement reads.
The organizers emphasize that their goal extends beyond mere commemoration:
"Five years after 11J, this forum seeks to initiate a dialogue about the post-authoritarian Cuba. Rather than just a commemoration, it is an invitation to contemplate and construct the free Cuba its citizens deserve."
Speakers and Moderator
The forum will gather notable figures from political, academic, and economic realms, both Cuban and international.
Dr. Antonio Guedes, a medical doctor and political analyst specializing in democratic transitions in Ibero-America, will serve as the moderator.
Guedes was a founding member of the now-defunct Liberal Union of Cuba alongside intellectual Carlos Alberto Montaner, who passed away in Madrid in June 2023.
The panelists include Amelia Calzadilla, president of the PLCC and human rights activist; Ignacio Bongiovanni, an Argentine economist affiliated with the International Foundation for Freedom, founded by Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa; Juan Navarrete, historian and deputy director of the Juan de Mariana Institute, a Spanish liberal think tank; and Percival Manglano, lawyer, former congressman for Madrid, and former Madrid Community's Economy and Finance Minister.
Attendance is free until the venue reaches capacity. Interested individuals should request participation via email at amecalz18@gmail.com, info@partidoliberalclasicocubano.com, and spain@somosmas.com.
Part of a Three-Day Event in Madrid
The forum is the second event of a three-day schedule organized by the PLCC from July 9 to 11 in the Spanish capital.
On Wednesday, a discussion took place at Casa del Cura in Madrid featuring Javier Larrondo from Prisoners Defenders, activist Yunior García Aguilera, and Elías Rizo León, who became an iconic figure of the 11J protests at 16 by waving a Cuban flag atop a police vehicle.
The highlight will be a gathering at Puerta del Sol on Saturday, July 11, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring information booths, political addresses, and a concert by young Cuban musicians.
The event gains significance due to the situation of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, leader of the San Isidro Movement, detained on July 11, 2021. His five-year sentence officially ended this Wednesday, but the Supreme People's Court denied any reduction for good behavior.
On Monday, he was transferred from Guanajay prison to an undisclosed location without being released, causing concern among activists and family members. As of now, his whereabouts remain unknown.
According to Prisoners Defenders, as of May 2026, Cuba reached a record of between 1,260 and 1,281 political prisoners. Among them, at least 338 individuals continue serving sentences directly related to the 11J protests. The pardon announced by the regime on April 2, 2026, for 2,010 prisoners explicitly excluded those convicted of crimes against authority, the categories used to criminalize demonstrators.
Understanding Cuba's 11J Protests and Their Impact
What were the 11J protests in Cuba?
The 11J protests, which occurred on July 11, 2021, were significant demonstrations in Cuba where thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding freedom, better living conditions, and an end to the oppressive government policies.
Why is the 11J anniversary important?
The anniversary of the 11J protests is crucial as it marks a pivotal moment in Cuban history, symbolizing the people's courage and desire for change. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy in Cuba.
Who is Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is a prominent Cuban artist and activist, known for leading the San Isidro Movement. He was detained during the 11J protests and has become a symbol of resistance against the Cuban regime.