The human rights organization Cubalex has raised serious concerns over the due process violations against Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina, members of the independent audiovisual project El4tico. These young men have been held in custody for six months without any formal charges or a scheduled court date.
Zayas and Medina were apprehended on February 6, 2026, in Holguín by State Security and police officers during an operation that involved home searches and the seizure of their professional equipment, including a laptop, camera, phone, tripod, and router.
The Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Holguín is accusing them of alleged crimes such as promoting propaganda against constitutional order and inciting criminal activity, which could lead to sentences of up to nine years in prison.
Since late March, they have been detained at the Provincial Prison of Holguín, following initial confinement at a police facility known as "Everyone Sings."
Irregularities and Legal Concerns
Cubalex documented procedural irregularities from the outset. When Medina requested to see the search warrant, officers refused, stating it would be available only after the search was completed. This procedure was executed without witnesses, contrary to Law No. 143 "On Criminal Procedure."
A habeas corpus petition filed on their behalf was dismissed by the Holguín Provincial Court.
The organization emphasized that "the extension of pretrial detention for six months without a prosecutor's petition or trial date exacerbates concerns about the procedural guarantees for these young men." This situation breaches international human rights standards, which mandate that such detention should be exceptional, necessary, and subject to effective judicial oversight.
Resistance and Defiance
Despite their imprisonment, both Zayas and Medina have shown remarkable resilience. Two weeks post-arrest, Zayas sent a widely circulated message among activists: "It has been worth it. Don't give up."
In June, he penned a handwritten letter from prison condemning the current state of Cuba and urging citizens to uphold their rights.
Medina's mother disclosed in April that State Security had pressured him to record a video expressing regret and retracting his statements, which he courageously refused.
Cubalex noted that this coercive practice "has been repeatedly documented in Cuba and stands in stark contrast to the respect for freedom of conscience and the right not to self-incriminate or make statements under duress."
The Impact of El4tico
El4tico, an independent audiovisual venture that began in Holguín in 2024, offers sociopolitical analysis and critique of Cuban realities. It had amassed tens of thousands of followers on social media before the government detained its founders.
According to Cubalex's communication with the families, both young men receive visits bi-weekly and maintain a positive outlook despite their incarceration. However, they remain uninformed about any prosecutorial action or when they might face trial.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns in Cuba
What are the charges against Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina?
They are accused of promoting propaganda against constitutional order and inciting criminal activity, which could lead to prison sentences of up to nine years.
Why is their detention considered a violation of due process?
Their detention is seen as a violation because they have been held for six months without formal charges or a trial date, which contravenes international human rights standards requiring such detentions to be exceptional and judicially supervised.
What actions have Cubalex taken regarding their case?
Cubalex has documented procedural irregularities, petitioned for habeas corpus on their behalf, and highlighted the case as a breach of international human rights norms.