Angel Jesus Veliz Marcano commemorates his 32nd birthday this Monday while confined within the walls of Kilo 9 prison in Camagüey. This marks his sixth consecutive birthday spent as a political prisoner under Cuba's oppressive regime.
Arrested on July 18, 2021, a mere week after participating in the July 11 protests in Camagüey, Veliz was sentenced to six years in prison on charges of assault and public disorder.
From her place of exile in the United States, his mother, Ailex Marcano Fabelo, shared her mixed emotions of sorrow and gratitude: "Today, August 24, my son turns 32, 32 years of life, for which I am infinitely grateful to God."
Despite her gratitude, she couldn't hide the bitterness the date brings: "It's his sixth birthday in prison, in one of Cuba's dictatorial dungeons," she lamented in statements to Martí Noticias.
According to Marcano Fabelo, her son's sentence is nearing its end with just nine months left, yet she refuses to accept the wait: "He is just nine months away from the end of this unjust sentence. I do not say 'serve it' because he owes nothing to the dictatorship."
Unyielding Belief in Innocence
For his mother, Veliz committed no crime: "He exercised the right everyone has to voice their desires for freedom, progress, and dignity in their homeland."
The record of documented abuses against Veliz Marcano is extensive. In 2022, he endured over 70 days in solitary confinement, deprived of a mattress during daylight, and had his belongings confiscated. In January 2023, he was moved to a high-security module and hospitalized due to scabies. He also engaged in hunger strikes in May 2022 and October 2023.
Political Motivations Behind Penitentiary Decisions
The organization Cubalex has documented how prison authorities have denied him benefits such as transfer to a less severe regime and parole, attributing these decisions to political motives.
Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott recently condemned the tortures the young man has endured: "Angel has endured torture, isolation, and cruel treatment simply for standing up for freedom and chanting 'Homeland and Life' during the July 11 movement."
On July 30, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights granted precautionary measures in favor of Veliz Marcano and fellow political prisoner Yasmany Porra Perez, acknowledging that their lives, integrity, and health are at risk of irreparable harm. The organization demanded that the Cuban regime ensure humane detention conditions, specialized medical care, quality food, and access to potable water.
Wider Context of Systematic Repression
His case is part of a broader picture of systematic repression: according to Justicia 11J, as of April 2026, there were 775 political prisoners in Cuba, with 338 sentenced for the July 11 protests.
Marcano Fabelo remains hopeful for a reunion in freedom: "We believe in God so much that we know Angel Jesus will be free very soon."
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Political Prisoners
What led to Angel Jesus Veliz Marcano's imprisonment?
Angel Jesus Veliz Marcano was arrested for participating in the July 11 protests in Camagüey and was sentenced to six years for assault and public disorder.
What abuses has Veliz Marcano faced in prison?
Veliz Marcano has endured solitary confinement, deprivation of a mattress, confiscation of belongings, and was moved to a high-security module. He also suffered from scabies and engaged in hunger strikes.
How has the international community responded to Veliz Marcano's situation?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights granted precautionary measures for Veliz Marcano, demanding humane conditions and medical care. U.S. Senator Rick Scott has also condemned the torture and cruel treatment he has faced.