Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott has raised his voice against the reported torture, solitary confinement, and inhumane treatment inflicted upon Ángel Jesús Véliz Marcano, a Cuban political prisoner since the July 11, 2021, protests. He called for the immediate release of Véliz Marcano and all political prisoners in Cuba.
"Ángel has endured torture, isolation, and cruel treatment merely for standing up for freedom and chanting 'Patria y Vida' during the July 11 movement," Scott stated on his social media platform, holding Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel accountable for these actions.
Véliz Marcano, a native of Camagüey, was sentenced to six years in prison on charges of assault and public disorder after being arrested on July 18, 2021, just one week following his participation in the historic demonstrations.
Systematic Abuses in Cuban Prisons
His family has consistently reported a series of abuses at Kilo 8 prison in Camagüey, including over 70 days in solitary confinement, deprivation of a mattress during the day, and confiscation of personal belongings.
In January 2023, his mother reported he was moved to a unit with highly dangerous inmates and later hospitalized for scabies in the prison infirmary.
The Struggle Continues from Exile
By October 2024, his mother, Ailex Marcano Fabelo, made a public plea for support as her son embarked on a hunger strike. Ailex Marcano, who suffered physical assault by the State Security in June 2022 while advocating for her son, relocated to the United States in May 2024 to continue her activism from abroad.
The plight of Véliz Marcano is part of a documented pattern of systematic abuses in Cuban prisons. A report from human rights organizations in June 2025 recorded 24 deaths and 160 reports of torture within six months, with Kilo 8 being one of the most criticized facilities.
International Outcry and Demand for Accountability
Scott also criticized the so-called Cuban "amnesty" in April 2026, which released more than 2,000 prisoners but excluded political prisoners, despite over 1,200 individuals remaining incarcerated for political reasons.
"We have heard far too many horror stories like this. Enough is enough! This is why President Trump is fighting for a free Cuba," the senator declared, demanding accountability for Castro, Díaz-Canel, and "every member of the Cuban communist regime," along with the immediate release of all political prisoners.
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Political Prisoners
Who is Ángel Jesús Véliz Marcano?
Ángel Jesús Véliz Marcano is a Cuban political prisoner from Camagüey, sentenced to six years in prison for his participation in the July 11, 2021, protests.
What are the conditions like in Cuban prisons?
Reports indicate systematic abuses, including torture, solitary confinement, and deprivation of basic needs, with facilities like Kilo 8 being heavily criticized.
What actions has Rick Scott taken regarding Cuban political prisoners?
Rick Scott has publicly condemned the treatment of Cuban political prisoners and called for the immediate release of all those unjustly imprisoned.