The 27-year-old Cuban political prisoner, Sissi Abascal Zamora, is slated to arrive in Miami this Thursday after receiving a humanitarian visa from the U.S. Department of State. Abascal had been incarcerated for her involvement in the protests that erupted on July 11, 2021.
The arrangement for her release was orchestrated by the Fundación Rescate Jurídico, led by activist and businessman Santiago Álvarez. He announced that Abascal will meet the press at the organization's headquarters located at 1929 NW 54 Street, Miami.
"After a long journey filled with hard work and patience, we have finally succeeded in persuading the Cuban dictatorship to release Sissi Abascal from prison so she can receive medical treatment in the United States," Álvarez stated while sharing the news.
Accompanying Abascal on her journey are her mother, fellow Dama de Blanco Annia Zamora, and other family members.
Youngest Dama de Blanco Faces Harsh Conditions
Regarded as the youngest member of Cuba's Damas de Blanco, Abascal was detained during the 11J protests in Carlos Rojas, a town in Jovellanos, Matanzas. She was sentenced to six years for charges of public disorder, disrespect, and assault.
Her prison term began on December 27, 2021, and was set to conclude on November 5, 2027, according to a ruling by the Supreme People's Court shared with Cubalex. Thus, she had about 14 months remaining at the time of her release.
Exile as Conditional Freedom
Cubalex described her release as "freedom conditioned to exile," highlighting that the regime chose to free her in exchange for exile rather than placing her under a lighter prison regime in Cuba.
During her time at the La Bellotex women's prison in Matanzas, Abascal endured inhumane conditions, was denied a less severe prison regime on seven occasions, and suffered significant health issues without proper medical care.
In August 2025, she underwent emergency surgery for bartolinitis without her family being notified by the regime. Upon her release, she still had an ovarian cyst requiring surgery.
Early in September 2025, the Department of State included her in its "unjustly detained" campaign, which documents and condemns the violations and abuses within the Cuban penal system.
Political Exile as a Negotiation Tool
Abascal is the daughter of dissidents Annia Zamora and Armando Abascal, who is part of the Executive National of the Pedro Luis Boitel Democracy Party and a signatory of the Varela Project. She is also involved in the same opposition organization.
Her case fits within a documented pattern of conditional releases to exile used by the Cuban regime as a political bargaining tool, without acknowledging the arbitrariness of the sentences.
In contrast, political prisoners Maykel Castillo Osorbo and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara recently refused similar offers of freedom in exchange for exile.
Cubalex was unequivocal: "The release of individuals imprisoned for political reasons must be immediate and unconditional. Any release that does not entail full freedom, guarantees of non-repetition, and adequate redress is insufficient and, in many instances, misleading."
Questions About Sissi Abascal's Release and Exile
Why was Sissi Abascal imprisoned in Cuba?
Sissi Abascal was arrested during the July 11, 2021 protests and was sentenced to six years in prison for public disorder, disrespect, and assault.
What conditions did Abascal face while imprisoned?
During her time in La Bellotex prison, Abascal faced inhumane conditions, was denied a less severe prison regime multiple times, and did not receive adequate medical treatment for severe health issues.
What is the significance of her release to Miami?
Her release to Miami represents a form of "freedom conditioned to exile," used by the Cuban regime as a political negotiation tool, and highlights the ongoing issues with political imprisonment in Cuba.
Who facilitated Sissi Abascal's release?
Her release was facilitated by the Fundación Rescate Jurídico, led by activist and businessman Santiago Álvarez, with assistance from the U.S. Department of State.