The Cuban Prosecutor's Office is pushing for prison sentences of six and seven years for Yamislan Pozo Águila, 24, and Serguey Pozo Tagle, 45, accused of distributing political leaflets and recording their dissemination to share abroad.
According to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH), the case is advancing towards trial for "propaganda against the constitutional order." The incident reportedly took place early on February 10, 2025.
As per the case file, one individual dispersed the pamphlets in a public area while the other filmed the act. The investigation was handled by the Unit for Crimes Against State Security and has been forwarded to the State Security Crimes Chamber of the Provincial Court.
The prosecution's document states that the leaflets carried slogans like "Cuba First," advocating for "a free and prosperous tomorrow" and "Zero Day" as a call for citizen mobilization.
The OCDH, after reviewing the charges, argues that the content lacks incitement to violence or attacks on institutions, deeming the charges an attempt to criminalize political ideas or aspirations.
This case fits into a broader pattern of sustained repression, claims the OCDH. In October alone, they documented 198 actions against civilians—29 arbitrary detentions and 169 abuses. Since January, there have been 2,660 incidents aimed at restricting civil and political rights.
The dossier details how Serguey Pozo distributed the leaflets at 5:30 a.m. while Yamislan Pozo recorded the event on a cellphone to send it to someone living abroad.
The accusations include phrases urging people to "come together once and for all in the final effort" and claiming "Cubans will take the streets to begin the first day of a full, dignified, and just life."
The OCDH asserts that this is political speech protected under Article 54 of the Constitution and international freedom of expression standards, citing comparative jurisprudence that defends political criticism unless it incites violence or hatred.
The preparatory phase has concluded, with case 122/2025 set for trial on state security charges. The OCDH calls for the immediate release of the accused, criticizing the prosecution's efforts to equate the content with incitement, which, in their view, poses no immediate threat to the protected legal good.
In the same provincial context, the observatory reported sentences of five and six years for six individuals involved in "banging pots and other metal objects," highlighting a trend of penalizing dissenting expressions.
As the trial approaches, with dates, tribunal, and evidence yet to be determined, the leaflet case has become a litmus test for the penal system's tolerance of peaceful protest. For the prosecution, the slogans represent propaganda against the constitutional order; for human rights organizations, they are expressions of political thought, and punishing them undermines principles of legality and freedom of expression.
Frequently Asked Questions about Political Protests in Cuba
What are the charges against Yamislan Pozo Águila and Serguey Pozo Tagle?
They are charged with "propaganda against the constitutional order" for distributing political leaflets and recording the act to share abroad.
What slogans were included in the leaflets?
The leaflets included slogans such as "Cuba First," advocating for "a free and prosperous tomorrow," and called for "Zero Day" as a citizen mobilization effort.
How has the OCDH responded to this case?
The OCDH has called for the immediate release of the accused, arguing that the charges criminalize political ideas and violate freedom of expression.