Wilber Aguilar, the father of Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, who was sentenced for his role in the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba, has publicly decried the abandonment faced by families of political prisoners in the nation. Speaking to the independent outlet El Toque, Aguilar highlighted that in Cuba, "there is no institution defending the people, it's total abandonment experienced firsthand." His son, serving a 12-year prison sentence, is one of the many young individuals still incarcerated since the summer demonstrations.
Aguilar expressed the dire situation, stating, "This is unbearable, the word freedom is forbidden. Anyone who speaks of freedom is beaten and jailed." He further implored, "Stop oppressing the innocent, let Cubans live. Haven’t you made enough with 18 billion? Isn't that sufficient? They profit from our suffering. I don't understand any of this."
He shared that his attention is elsewhere, "with my granddaughters, trying to find places to take them before their vacation ends, worrying about what to feed them today," while the harassment of his family continues. Aguilar recounted, "My son tells me, 'Dad, don't come visit.' Why? Because they say you won't leave because of your father," showcasing his deep involvement in advocating for the release of political prisoners from the July 11 protests.
"We, the parents of political prisoners, know the weight of our children saying that. It's to make us stop, they want us to stop, let him go," Aguilar lamented. International human rights organizations have repeatedly pointed out the ongoing systemic violations of fundamental freedoms in Cuba and have demanded the immediate release of political prisoners, many of whom are young individuals sentenced to lengthy terms following the July 11 events.
Aguilar's son, Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, was sentenced despite having a medical condition and evidence showing he did not harm anyone during the protests.
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Political Prisoners
What were the July 11 protests in Cuba about?
The July 11 protests in Cuba were sparked by widespread discontent with the government's handling of the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and demands for greater freedoms and rights.
Why are families of political prisoners facing harassment?
Families of political prisoners often face harassment as a means to silence dissent and dissuade them from advocating for the rights and release of their loved ones.
What actions have international organizations taken regarding Cuban political prisoners?
International human rights organizations have condemned the Cuban government's practices and have called for the immediate release of political prisoners, emphasizing the violations of basic freedoms.