Fernando Michael Bárzaga Mompié, aged 44, was released from incarceration this past Saturday in Manzanillo, Granma, after serving out his sentence for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests. His family, eagerly awaiting his release, greeted him with a Cuban flag, and his children rushed to embrace him as soon as he stepped outside.
A member of the opposition group Cuba Independiente y Democrática (CID), Bárzaga had been sentenced to five years for charges of public disorder and assault. Draped in the Cuban flag, Bárzaga expressed both his emotion and unwavering political resolve: "Freedom is not complete until the people of Cuba are free; I am not free," he stated shortly after reuniting with his children.
"We continue the fight; I’m back on the streets," he added, emphasizing that his dedication to the democratic struggle remains unchanged after years of imprisonment. "The people of Cuba need to know they have the right to be free. It’s not about wars, nor about having a stick or a machete in hand," he asserted.
Challenging the Regime's Narrative
Bárzaga directly challenged the regime's rhetoric on sovereignty and dignity, stating, "We don’t have to do what a dictator says, nor follow the thoughts of a man dead for 100 years. I simply want my people to have what they deserve, to live with dignity."
During his time in prison, Bárzaga was transferred between several facilities: El Típico, the Provincial Prison of Granma known as Las Mangas, and San Ramón "El Secadero." From these locations, he consistently reported inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, deficits in food and medicine, medical negligence, psychological torture, and selective reprisals against political prisoners of the 11J.
Unyielding Spirit
In an audio message circulated by Click Cuba in early August, Bárzaga had predicted his release, citing August 12 as the expected date of his sentence completion. His release was finalized three days later.
The release occurs at a time when, according to Justicia 11J, 338 people linked to the 11J demonstrations remain imprisoned, marking the fifth anniversary of the protests. The organization reports a total of 775 political prisoners on the island.
From prison, Bárzaga had sent a message in April 2026 capturing his spirit during confinement: "I lost my family but not the hope for a free Cuba."
Key Insights into Fernando Michael Bárzaga's Release
Who is Fernando Michael Bárzaga?
Fernando Michael Bárzaga is a member of the opposition group Cuba Independiente y Democrática (CID), who was imprisoned for his involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests against the Cuban regime.
What were the charges against Bárzaga?
Bárzaga was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of public disorder and assault.
What conditions did Bárzaga report while in prison?
While imprisoned, Bárzaga reported inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, lack of food and medicine, medical negligence, psychological torture, and targeted reprisals against political prisoners.