Yoan de la Cruz, the young man who broadcasted live the initial images of the July 11, 2021, social unrest in Cuba, has been detained once more in San Antonio de los Baños this past Saturday, as reported by sources close to the former political prisoner.
Activist Adelth Bonne warned on Facebook: "At this moment, police are at the home of the recently released political prisoner Yoan De La Cruz. We are uncertain of their intentions, but there are fears that it could be a revocation."
A source connected to the family confirmed the arrest to the independent newspaper 14ymedio, detailing that during the arrest, several items were seized, including perfumes, money, a phone, and a computer.
As of now, according to 14ymedio, there is no information on the charges against him, nor have the authorities formally updated the family about his situation.
The Symbolism of Yoan de la Cruz and the 11J Protests
De la Cruz became an emblem of the July 11 protests by broadcasting the demonstrations live on Facebook, which started in San Antonio de los Baños and spread to many Cuban cities. His footage showed Cubans peacefully marching towards the municipal government building, chanting "Yes we can," and the video quickly went viral, shared widely across YouTube channels.
The Arrest and Subsequent Sentence
He was initially detained on July 23, 2021, twelve days following the protests. He spent his first 20 days in Guanajay and was later transferred to Melena del Sur prison in Mayabeque, where he was kept almost incommunicado.
The accusations included encouraging protesters to defame Miguel Díaz-Canel and Raúl Castro, as well as disrupting the country's socio-economic order. The prosecution originally sought an eight-year sentence, but in March 2022, he received a six-year sentence.
In May 2022, Yoan de la Cruz was released with a five-year probationary sentence of house arrest. During his confinement, he reported mistreatment and humiliation in Melena del Sur prison.
Patterns of Reincarceration
This recent arrest follows a documented pattern of revoked paroles for those released after the July 11 protests. The latest case was Denis Hernández Ramírez, also from San Antonio de los Baños, who was returned to prison on March 24, 2026, after using social media to report harassment by State Security, marking the seventh documented case of July 11 releasees being reincarcerated since January 2025.
The Cuban regime announced a pardon for 2,010 prisoners in April but explicitly excluded those convicted of sedition, contempt, and public disorder, categories frequently used against the 11J demonstrators.
According to Justicia 11J, there are 775 political prisoners in Cuba, with 338 having been convicted for participating in the July 11 protests. Meanwhile, Prisoners Defenders recorded a historic high of 1,250 political detainees by the end of March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yoan de la Cruz and 11J Arrests
Who is Yoan de la Cruz?
Yoan de la Cruz is known for broadcasting live the first images of the July 11, 2021, protests in Cuba, which made him a symbol of the demonstrations.
Why was Yoan de la Cruz arrested again?
The specific charges for his recent arrest are currently unknown, but there are concerns that it could be related to a revocation of his parole.
What was Yoan de la Cruz's sentence after the July 11 protests?
He was sentenced to six years in prison for encouraging defamation against Cuban leaders and disrupting social order, though initially, eight years were sought.
How has the Cuban government responded to the July 11 protests?
The government has conducted widespread arrests and excluded July 11 protestors from a recent mass pardon, indicating a strict stance against dissenters.