The month of August painted a grim picture in Cuba, characterized by a record number of homicides, five deaths while in custody, numerous repressive incidents, and several public protests amid the ongoing crisis in essential services.
The latest monthly report from Cubalex on human rights conditions on the island recorded 52 homicides in August, the highest number since the organization began tracking this metric in 2024.
Cubalex documented a total of 315 criminal incidents over the month. Besides the 52 homicides, the report noted five femicides, five suicides, and a suicide attempt, highlighting a significant surge in violence and public insecurity.
The decline in public safety coincided with continuous challenges in energy and water supply, alongside the breakdown of public services such as electricity, water, and gas. These issues have once again fueled protests across various regions of the country.
Deaths in Custody and Widespread Harassment
In terms of repression, the organization reported 280 events that included 543 incidents of harassment against at least 187 victims. Half of these incidents involved individuals who were imprisoned.
Among the most severe incidents were five deaths in custody. Cubalex linked these cases to patterns of denial or inadequate medical care in detention and prison facilities. During its public presentation of the report, the organization attributed these deaths to cruel treatment and insufficient medical attention.
Violations against incarcerated individuals constituted the most numerous category, with 139 events. This was followed by acts of violence or harassment (50), transfers (45), threats or coercion (38), and police surveillance or monitoring operations (33).
The report also documented 30 victims of arbitrary arrests and three victims of enforced disappearances, involving groups of individuals as well as minors.
Threats Against Political Prisoners
The situation inside prisons was a focal point in the report. Political prisoners Ediolvis Marín Mora and Fausto René Ramos were the most frequently targeted for repressive incidents in August, with seven each, followed by Danisbel Labrada with five.
According to Cubalex, Marín Mora, held at Kilo 8 prison, was threatened with death by an officer, placed in solitary confinement, and later transferred to Kilo 7. Ramos, a human rights activist also detained at Kilo 8, reportedly faced similar death threats and was sent to solitary confinement as well.
In Labrada's case, the report noted new charges related to the Canaleta protest and a denial of medical treatment.
At least nine incarcerated individuals engaged in hunger strikes during the month. Cubalex identified the Special Prison Kilo 8 in Camagüey as the center with the highest number of recorded repressive incidents, while the Provincial Prison of Las Tunas had the most deaths in custody during the period.
Protests Amid Energy Shortages
The energy crisis once again sparked public discontent. Cubalex verified 94 public protests in August, less than half of the 200 recorded in July, though the organization cautions this is likely an undercount.
Fifty-seven percent of the protests took place in Havana, with many involving pot-banging demonstrations linked to power outages. The peak occurred on August 4, when 16 pot-banging protests were documented following another blackout of the National Electric System.
Authorities responded by detaining groups of demonstrators in at least three pot-banging incidents in Calabazar, Old Havana, and Camagüey. In Lawton, Havana, a mother was also detained after protesting her home's lack of water access, according to the report.
Among the newly identified political prisoners by Cubalex is activist Pedro Lázaro Gutiérrez Collado, a delegate of the Opositores por una Nueva República Movement (MONR), who was arrested during a pot-banging protest in Calabazar and transferred to El Vivac.
Havana Tops Repressive Incidents
The repressive events documented were spread across 54 municipalities in 14 provinces and the Isle of Youth. Havana led the tally with 102 events, followed by Camagüey with 36, and Santiago de Cuba with 24. Cienfuegos was the only province where the Cubalex team did not record any events in August.
Cubalex argues that these figures reflect a state apparatus prioritizing coercive control over the protection of life, security, and the fulfillment of basic needs. The organization denounces that arbitrary detentions, preventive police operations, mobility restrictions, and constant harassment undermine freedoms of expression, association, and protest.
The report was compiled from 1,278 records of events occurring between August 1 and 31, 2026: 998 news items used to analyze the context and 280 repression events. The information primarily came from Facebook posts, digital media, complaints received directly by Cubalex, and content published on other social networks.
The organization warns that their figures should not be considered exhaustive due to challenges in documenting reports from private profiles or cases involving individuals without access to cellphones or mobile data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's August Crisis
What were the main issues in Cuba during August?
Cuba faced a record number of homicides, deaths in custody, numerous repressive incidents, and public protests due to ongoing crises in essential services.
How many homicides were reported in Cuba in August?
In August, Cuba recorded 52 homicides, marking the highest monthly figure since Cubalex began monitoring this statistic in 2024.
Which prisons in Cuba saw the most repressive incidents in August?
The Special Prison Kilo 8 in Camagüey had the highest number of repressive incidents, while the Provincial Prison of Las Tunas recorded the most deaths in custody.
What sparked public protests in Cuba during August?
Public protests were primarily driven by the energy crisis, with issues like power outages leading to widespread dissatisfaction and demonstrations.