The Cuban government, once again, dismisses any possibility of including the release of political prisoners in potential talks with the United States. This stance highlights the regime's unwavering position despite mounting international pressure.
In a conversation with the EFE news agency, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, the Deputy Foreign Minister, made it clear that "there is no intention to discuss that issue" when questioned about the potential release of those detained for political reasons.
"We don't see any reason or connection between one issue (oil blockade) and the other (prisoners)," stated the official.
These remarks from Fernández de Cossío come amidst Venezuela's process of releasing hundreds of political prisoners, part of a roadmap pushed by the United States following Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3rd.
In Caracas, the interim administration led by Delcy Rodríguez has announced reconciliation measures under the supervision of State Department representatives, following the three-phase plan outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio: stabilization, recovery, and democratic transition.
Contrastingly, Cuba remains steadfast in its refusal to make any similar gestures. The Cuban Deputy Minister reiterated that the regime will not entertain discussions about internal matters such as the Constitution, the economy, or the socialist government system.
"We have the same limitation that Washington would have in discussing the U.S. Constitution or immigration raids in Minneapolis with Havana," stated Fernández de Cossío.
Analysts view these statements as a direct response to Venezuela's process and Washington's "staged transition" strategy, which now appears to be targeting the island.
The Cuban diplomatic hardening aims to distance itself from Caracas and signal internal control at a time when the White House sees Cuba as the core of Latin America's authoritarian axis.
The refusal to release political prisoners also highlights the regime's insecurity about a potential transition scenario.
"Discussing prisoners would be an acknowledgment of their existence," noted an academic consulted in Havana, recalling that the regime hides them under charges of Crimes Against State Security and similar offenses. "Admitting political prisoners exist would mean acknowledging there is opposition in Cuba, something the system denies by definition," he added.
While Venezuela moves towards a controlled opening process, the Cuban regime remains entrenched: technical dialogue, yes; political concessions, none.
Hundreds of Political Prisoners Denied Recognition
Despite the Cuban regime's insistence on denying the existence of political prisoners, data collected by human rights organizations and citizen groups contradicts this narrative.
According to the latest report from Prisoners Defenders, based in Madrid, the Cuban dictatorship currently holds over 1,000 political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, the highest number in the Western Hemisphere.
The report specifies that at least 781 individuals are serving sentences or facing precautionary measures for political or conscience-related reasons, while another 300 remain under house arrest or surveillance.
These include 11J protesters, activists, artists, independent journalists, and ordinary citizens who expressed criticism on social media.
The Justice 11J collective, formed after the July 2021 protests, documents cases with names, ages, and sentences, denouncing the use of the Penal Code as a political punishment tool.
According to their database, more than 60% of political prisoners are young people under 35, many without criminal records, and several have received sentences exceeding 10 years for charges like "public disorder," "sedition," or "enemy propaganda."
Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have pointed out that Cuban authorities criminalize dissent through trials lacking due process and arbitrary detentions.
Amnesty has repeatedly requested independent access to prisons and has denounced the lack of judicial transparency in processes related to the 2021 and 2022 protests.
International bodies such as the UN, the European Parliament, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) have also demanded the immediate release of those detained for political reasons, reminding that repression in Cuba constitutes a systematic violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the country is a signatory.
Despite the evidence and international calls, the Cuban regime maintains the narrative that there are no political prisoners on the island, only "people sentenced for common crimes."
This denial—reiterated now by Fernández de Cossío—is part of the regime's narrative shield, aiming to avoid any comparison with Venezuela's ongoing transition process.
Understanding Cuba's Political Prisoner Situation
Why does Cuba deny the existence of political prisoners?
The Cuban regime denies the existence of political prisoners to avoid acknowledging opposition and prevent comparisons with the transitional processes in other countries, such as Venezuela.
How many political prisoners are currently held in Cuba?
According to Prisoners Defenders, there are currently over 1,000 political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Cuba, the highest number in the Western Hemisphere.
What charges are commonly used against political prisoners in Cuba?
Common charges against political prisoners in Cuba include "public disorder," "sedition," and "enemy propaganda," often used to suppress dissent and criticism.
What is the international community's stance on Cuba's political prisoners?
International organizations like the UN, the European Parliament, and the IACHR have demanded the release of political prisoners in Cuba, highlighting that their detention violates international human rights agreements.