Cuba’s release of 2010 prisoners on holy week in advance brought an emotional scene in front of Havana’s la Lima prison where family members were reunited with their loved ones who were all incarcerated for mostly non-political crimes. The Cuban government characterized this action as a humanitarian effort, however, human rights organizations responded immediately. Organizations such as Prisoners Defend and Justicia 11J stated that they have found no documentation or evidence showing that over 1200 reported political prisoners, many arrested after the 2021 protest, were among those released. Additionally, due to the lack of transparency from the Cuban government, it remains unknown which individuals were granted freedom. This release occurred admit extreme financial hardships and the US imposed oil blockade causing widespread blackouts, food and product shortages, and resulting in numerous demonstrations occurring throughout the island.
Cuba release of prisoners demonstrates Cuba’s efforts to present itself as benevolent during a time of severe crisis, however, the failure to include any political prisoners in the release diminishes its credibility. It seems the prisoner releases our intent to provide temporary relief from the frustrations caused by the depression while not allowing any acknowledgment of repression. Together with the United States imposed oil blockade and deteriorating economy, these events expose how humanitarian strain in political control can be interdependent factors creating instability.
It is possible that Cuba could continue releasing selected numbers of prisoners to help alleviate pressures and avoid acknowledging the reality of political incarceration. Human rights organizations will most likely continue demanding full amnesty for all prisoners. The United States will probably use the lack of political prisoner releases as a justification for maintaining current sanctions. Family member members in activist groups will likely increase demands for transparency and reforms related to the treatment of detainees.
These events connect to class concepts including authoritarianism, legitimacy, and state coercion. Cuba selective prisoner releases demonstrate the ability of authoritarians to maintain control while the US blockade represents structural power. Demonstrations and arrests also relate to concepts of civil resistance in human rights when faced with political pressure.