This Saturday, marking the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests, the state-run Canal Caribe released a video where a regime spokesperson labeled the demonstrations as "a complex episode, entirely influenced by media manipulation and external funding from groups attempting to disrupt the constitutional order." Cubans on social media swiftly and forcefully responded to this narrative.
The spokesperson from the state media dismissed comments from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who on the anniversary demanded the immediate release of political prisoners and warned that Cuba poses a threat to U.S. national security. Canal Caribe claimed that Rubio "repeats a narrative" and "makes unfounded accusations" against the regime.
Furthermore, the spokesperson asserted that "there are no political prisoners in Cuba," maintaining that those convicted were punished for "breaking the law, engaging in acts of violence, and disturbing public peace." He added, "Our judicial system operates within the bounds of legality and with internationally recognized guarantees," a statement starkly contradicted by independent human rights organizations.
Public Reaction and Contradictions
The official narrative met with widespread backlash from hundreds of users. Rico Betta's comment captured the prevailing sentiment: "Media manipulation? Millions worldwide saw thousands of Cubans spontaneously take to the streets shouting 'Freedom!', 'Homeland and Life!', and 'We are hungry!' Did they also manipulate the videos of arrests, beatings, and lengthy prison sentences?"
The same user posed further questions: "If the Cuban people genuinely support the regime en masse, why does it need thousands of State Security agents, rapid response brigades, internet censorship, and political prisoners to stay in power?"
Other responses were just as direct. Alfredo Porras-Sanchez remarked: "It wasn't Cuba that acted, but the Cuban government. It wasn't in defense of any sovereignty, but to protect the privileges of those in power." Jose Antonio Gomez Perez added: "The only media manipulation is yours, puppets of the Castro dynasty. On July 11, the people said enough, but your repressive machinery and the abuses you now disgustingly deny before the UN crushed that demonstration."
Contrasting Reports and International Reactions
Documented data from independent organizations starkly contradicts the official version. An Infobae report released days before the anniversary highlights that Cuba has a historic record of 1,306 political prisoners, including 40 minors, according to Prisoners Defenders. At least 338 individuals remain incarcerated directly due to their involvement in the 2021 protests, with sentences reaching up to 22 years.
The regime's pardon announced in April 2026 for over 2,000 inmates explicitly excluded those convicted of "crimes against authority," a category used to criminalize the 11J protesters. At least one protester, Diubis Laurencio Tejeda, was killed by gunfire on July 12, 2021, in La Güinera.
This past Saturday, U.S. Ambassador to Cuba Mike Hammer visited families of 11J political prisoners in San Antonio de los Baños, while Cuban exiles protested in Miami and Madrid, demanding freedom on the fifth anniversary.
Rubio warned that the U.S. would employ "all available tools" to secure the release of political prisoners, a stance the regime dismissed as interference. However, history was captured in images seen worldwide: more than 1,400 detentions and 187 forced disappearances documented between July 11 and 13, 2021, according to a Human Rights Watch report.
Key Questions on the 11J Protests
What sparked the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba?
The protests were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the Cuban government, economic hardships, and demands for freedom and human rights.
How many people were arrested during the 11J protests?
According to Human Rights Watch, over 1,400 people were detained during the protests, with 187 cases of forced disappearances.
Are there political prisoners in Cuba?
Yes, according to Prisoners Defenders, Cuba holds a record number of political prisoners, totaling 1,306, including 40 minors.