On Monday, renowned Cuban dissident Guillermo "Coco" Fariñas Hernández was apprehended in Santa Clara. He had gone to the Third Station of the Revolutionary National Police to show his support for former political prisoner Andy García Lorenzo, who had been detained at the same location.
This development was shared by journalist Camila Acosta on her social media accounts.
Tayri Lorenzo Prado stated that Fariñas not only went to back García Lorenzo but also openly challenged the authorities: "He asked to be jailed along with Andy," which led to his own arrest.
Andy García Lorenzo was taken into custody the previous day in the 2da de la Vigía area, according to reports from his sister, Roxana García Lorenzo. She claimed he was arrested merely for "walking and filming on the street" with his mobile phone. A police officer informed the family that he would be held for 24 hours on charges of supposed "public disorder" and was taken to the same Third Unit of the Revolutionary National Police.
García Lorenzo became a political prisoner following the July 11, 2021, protests in Santa Clara. He was sentenced to four years for contempt, public disorder, and assault, and was released in July 2025 after serving his full sentence at Guamajal prison, where he reported abuse and went on hunger strikes.
His latest arrest occurs amid a climate of systematic harassment. In June 2026, State Security had already summoned and threatened him with sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty, citing Article 116 of the Penal Code on espionage, if he published images of military installations or shared information abroad.
Coco Fariñas is one of Cuba's most internationally recognized dissidents. As the general coordinator of the United Anti-Totalitarian Forum (FANTU) and the recipient of the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize in 2010, he has conducted over 25 hunger strikes and has spent more than 14 years in prison across three sentences.
The simultaneous arrest of both dissidents at the same police station in Santa Clara underscores the Cuban regime's repressive tactics against those who attempt to support one another. This strategy aims to isolate activists and discourage any public demonstrations of solidarity.
The Repressive Environment in Cuba
Who is Coco Fariñas?
Coco Fariñas is a prominent Cuban dissident, known for his activism against the Cuban government. He is the general coordinator of FANTU and has been awarded the Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament.
What led to Andy García Lorenzo's arrest?
Andy García Lorenzo was arrested for allegedly causing "public disorder" while walking and filming on the street with his phone. He has a history of being targeted by the authorities due to his involvement in protests.
What is the significance of the Sakharov Prize?
The Sakharov Prize is awarded by the European Parliament to individuals or groups who have dedicated their lives to the defense of human rights and freedom of thought. It highlights international recognition of their efforts.