On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests by issuing an official statement through the Department of State. Rubio demanded the immediate release of all Cuban political prisoners and stressed that Washington would use "all available tools" to push for economic and political reforms on the island.
Rubio described the Cuban regime's reaction to the 2021 demonstrations as a brutal crackdown on citizens who were simply demanding basic rights, dignity, and opportunities.
"Hundreds of Cubans are unjustly detained, enduring harsh conditions, merely for asking why they cannot own businesses, participate in the political process, or provide for themselves and their families," the Secretary of State emphasized.
Addressing the island's economic situation, Rubio pointed out, "After decades of oppression and mismanagement, Cuba's economy is in a tailspin, and its people continue to suffer from blackouts, hunger, and deprivation," he noted in his statement.
Rubio highlighted that the Trump administration had extended offers of humanitarian aid, reconstruction assistance, and the promise of a new bilateral relationship, contingent upon Cuba's acceptance of genuine political and economic reforms. He accused the regime's elites of rejecting significant changes to maintain their complete control over the population.
"Unfortunately, the regime and its corrupt elites continue to reject any meaningful reform efforts, prioritizing their total control over the Cuban people and their steadfast adherence to a failed and morally bankrupt Marxist ideology," Rubio asserted in the communiqué.
The Secretary also condemned Cuba for hosting military, intelligence, terrorist, and subversive operations from hostile powers located less than 100 miles from U.S. shores, labeling it a direct threat to national security. "Cuban leaders must commit to real reforms, peace, and prosperity before it's too late," he warned.
The fifth anniversary of 11J arrives amid an unprecedented crisis. As of July 9, 2026, according to Prisoners Defenders, there are 1,306 political prisoners in Cuba—a historic record that includes 40 minors. Out of that total, 338 are serving sentences directly linked to the 2021 protests.
The pardon granted by the regime in April 2026, which freed 2,010 inmates, explicitly excluded those convicted of "crimes against authority," the legal category used to criminalize the 11J protesters.
The July 2021 protests were the largest in Cuba since 1959, with thousands taking to the streets in over seventy locations demanding freedom and an end to the regime.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel responded to the unrest by ordering a crackdown with the phrase, "The combat order is given, revolutionaries to the streets."
In this context, Rubio had rejected Díaz-Canel's package of 176 economic measures, deeming them insufficient without fundamental political changes, and announced new sanctions against GAESA entities.
In his Saturday message, Rubio reiterated the joint stance of the Trump administration: "President Trump and I envision a better future for Cuba, where Cubans have greater opportunity, freedom, and dignity, and where Cuba ceases to host military, intelligence, terrorist, and subversive operations hostile to 90 miles from U.S. territory."
FAQs on the Cuban Political Prisoners and 11J Protests
What is the significance of the 11J protests in Cuba?
The 11J protests, which took place on July 11, 2021, are significant as they were the largest demonstrations in Cuba since 1959. Thousands of Cubans took to the streets across over seventy locations to demand freedom and an end to the oppressive regime.
How many political prisoners are currently in Cuba?
As of July 9, 2026, there are 1,306 political prisoners in Cuba, including 40 minors, according to Prisoners Defenders. This marks a historic record, with 338 of those prisoners serving sentences related to the 2021 protests.