With 18 votes in favor and 17 against, the Spanish Congress of Deputies approved a resolution condemning the human rights violations in Cuba and the slavery-like practices in the medical missions of the Havana regime. Prisoners Defenders reported that the proposal, driven by the Popular Parliamentary Group, was approved by a total of 35 votes, 18 in favor and 17 against, with no abstentions.
The resolution text encompasses five demands, including the condemnation of abuses and violations of human rights on the island and an end to the policy of repression, particularly in a context where popular protests are anticipated due to the unbearable energy crisis that leaves Cubans with more than 20 hours of power outages daily.
The document also expresses concern over the rising number of political prisoners and calls for their immediate release. "Since the events of July 11, all detainees without judicial oversight were eventually brought before the judiciary, months or years later, and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 1 to 30 years in the first instance. Regarding this situation, on February 29, 2024, the European Parliament approved Resolution P9_TA (2024)0122 on the 'critical situation in Cuba' concerning freedoms and rights, such as ideological freedom, religious freedom, security, free movement, freedom of expression, etc.," the text emphasizes.
The resolution also condemns the labor conditions promoted by the Cuban regime for its workers and civilian collaborators abroad. "The Cuban regime has managed to extend its limitations and violations of the rights and freedoms of its professional civilian personnel, such as doctors, sailors, teachers, artists, or athletes, among many others, providing services to third parties abroad through the state or its companies," it underscores.
Additionally, it calls on Cuban authorities to facilitate the return to Cuba of people in exile and professionals and citizens who are not allowed to reunite with their families. The proposal does not make any political judgment on the domestic or foreign policy of the Spanish government, aiming to seek consensus among democratic political forces, highlighted Prisoners Defenders, which collaborated with the team that drafted the resolution.
Last February, a group of MEPs from various political backgrounds strongly called for sanctions against Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, holding him responsible for a "repressive apparatus" targeting dissent on the island. In an unprecedented condemnation, European parliamentarians labeled the situation in Cuba as a "disgrace to the Western world" and urged a reconsideration of relations between the European Union and the Caribbean nation.
"We reiterate the urgent need for concrete steps toward a transition to a full-fledged state in the island, the holding of plural, free, and democratic elections, as well as respect for human rights and individual freedoms," they demanded.
However, the Cuban regime has continued to repress the island's population, a fact evidenced by the prison sentences of up to 15 years imposed on several young people who protested against power outages in Nuevitas, Camagüey, in 2022. The regime has stated it expects new protests amid the ongoing energy crisis that subjects the population to daily power cuts of up to 20 hours.
FAQs on Spain's Resolution Condemning Human Rights Violations in Cuba
The following are frequently asked questions regarding the resolution passed by the Spanish Congress condemning human rights violations in Cuba and other related issues.
What are the main demands of the resolution passed by the Spanish Congress?
The resolution includes five main demands, such as condemning human rights abuses in Cuba, ending the policy of repression, expressing concern over the increasing number of political prisoners, and facilitating the return of exiles and professionals to Cuba.
How did the European Parliament respond to the situation in Cuba?
On February 29, 2024, the European Parliament approved Resolution P9_TA (2024)0122, addressing the critical situation in Cuba concerning freedoms and rights such as ideological freedom, religious freedom, security, and freedom of expression.
What actions have European parliamentarians suggested regarding Cuba?
European parliamentarians have called for sanctions against Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel and urged a reconsideration of relations between the European Union and Cuba. They have also demanded steps towards a transition to a full-fledged state, the holding of plural, free, and democratic elections, and respect for human rights and individual freedoms.
What has been the Cuban regime's response to the energy crisis and related protests?
The Cuban regime has continued to repress the population, evidenced by the prison sentences of up to 15 years imposed on young protesters in Nuevitas, Camagüey. The regime expects new protests due to the ongoing energy crisis causing daily power cuts of up to 20 hours.