The trial against political prisoner Yaser García López has concluded, with the prosecution demanding an eight-year prison sentence. This includes six years for "propaganda against the constitutional order" and two years for "public disorder," according to information from Cubalex. Presiding over the proceedings was judge Justo Gustavo Faife Hernández from the Villa Clara Provincial Popular Court. The sentence was announced by prosecutor Frank Julio Cotilla Rodríguez.
Cubalex has condemned the violations of basic rights in the case, particularly freedom of expression, asserting that García López is being punished as an example due to his critical stance and social media posts. The organization argues that this situation highlights the lack of judicial guarantees in Cuba and the regime's use of the penal system as a tool for political control, criminalizing dissent and suppressing the legitimate exercise of fundamental rights.
The organization has raised alarms about the severity of the process and has called for respect for the human rights of the accused. Yaser has been detained since March 18, 2025, for shouting dissenting slogans and making critical posts on social media. Currently, he is held in La Pendiente prison in Santa Clara.
In related news, the Cuban prosecution has also sought sentences of up to nine years for six men accused of participating in a peaceful protest against power outages in Encrucijada, Villa Clara. Among those facing charges is independent journalist José Gabriel Barrenechea, accused of "public disorder." Five of the accused have been in provisional detention since the days following the protest, which took place on November 7, 2024. According to the charges, the men led the demonstration with three pots "that could not be seized" and shouted phrases like "Turn on the power, we want electricity," actions which the prosecution claims disturbed "public peace" and obstructed traffic.
This represents yet another instance of the Cuban regime's repression against its citizens, who are increasingly frustrated by the ongoing economic crisis and power outages.
Understanding the Political Repression in Cuba
Who is Yaser García López and why was he arrested?
Yaser García López is a political prisoner in Cuba, arrested for shouting dissenting slogans and making critical posts on social media. He faces charges of "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "public disorder."
What are the charges against the protesters in Encrucijada?
The protesters in Encrucijada are accused of "public disorder" for participating in a peaceful protest against power outages. The prosecution claims their actions disturbed public peace and obstructed traffic.
What does Cubalex say about the judicial process in Cuba?
Cubalex criticizes the lack of judicial guarantees in Cuba and highlights the regime's use of the penal system as a political tool to suppress dissent and punish those exercising their fundamental rights.