Sonia Álvarez Campillo, wife of political prisoner Félix Navarro and mother of fellow detainee Saylí Navarro Álvarez, has shared a heartfelt message of appreciation directed at the European Parliament. This follows their recent resolution demanding the immediate release of all Cuban political prisoners.
The statement, shared on Facebook by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, was released a day after the European Parliament passed the resolution with significant support: 374 votes in favor, 198 against, and 19 abstentions. It is the most supported resolution out of the three concerning Cuba issued by the body in less than a year. The resolution also calls for individual sanctions against those responsible for the repression, starting with Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
European Support for Cuban Political Prisoners
Speaking on behalf of her family, the Lady in White expressed gratitude to the European Parliament for their firm stance.
"I want to especially thank the political groups that promoted it, as well as all the MEPs and groups who supported it with their votes," she expressed in a video statement.
Sonia emphasized the importance of knowing that Félix and Saylí have not been forgotten: "They have been deprived of their freedom for years because they peacefully defended their beliefs and aspired for a Cuba where human dignity and freedoms are respected."
A Message of Hope and Solidarity
"We are deeply grateful that the European Parliament has clearly called for their immediate and unconditional release, along with all other Cuban political prisoners," she stated, highlighting the concern for Félix's health and the demand for immediate, proper, and independent medical attention.
"This resolution also serves as a message of hope for those suffering imprisonment and their families, letting them know they are not alone. Outside Cuba's prisons, people and institutions are aware of their plight and continue to demand respect for their rights," she affirmed.
"As a wife and mother, I thank you for not looking the other way," she added.
Sonia extended her gratitude to Cuban organizations supporting the families of political prisoners, including her own, urging them to persist in their efforts and raise their voices until every detainee is freed.
She concluded her message with a powerful statement that captures the historical significance of the moment: "When the painful and disastrous chapter of our country's history is eventually written, it will also show that from Europe, the European Parliament stood with those who fought for freedom and human rights in Cuba."
The Struggles of Félix and Saylí Navarro
Félix Navarro, aged 73, is incarcerated at the maximum-security prison of Agüica in Colón, Matanzas. In April 2026, he was assaulted by prison guards and placed in solitary confinement. He suffers from diabetes, hypertension, and chronic heart issues.
His daughter Saylí, who has a severe kidney condition, is held at the women’s prison La Bellotex, also in Matanzas. She faced disciplinary action in May for publicly denouncing the abuse against her father.
The two were arrested on July 11, 2021, when they went to a Matanzas police station to inquire about other activists detained during the July 11th protests. They received sentences of nine and eight years in prison, respectively, on charges of "public disorder, assault, and contempt."
In October 2024, Amnesty International declared them prisoners of conscience.
Growing International Pressure on Cuba
This new resolution strengthens the growing consensus within the European Parliament for re-evaluating engagement with Cuba and conditioning any cooperation on tangible progress in human rights and political freedoms on the island.
In January, the European body supported an amendment to suspend privileged cooperation with Havana, and in June, it called for sanctions against Díaz-Canel and the military business conglomerate GAESA leaders.
According to Prisoners Defenders, as of August, Cuba holds a record of 1,339 political prisoners, with 155 women and 38 minors among them.
Out of the total, 463 suffer from serious health conditions, which the NGO associates with factors such as malnutrition, mistreatment, and lack of medical care.
Understanding the European Parliament's Resolution on Cuba
What prompted Sonia Álvarez to thank the European Parliament?
Sonia Álvarez expressed her gratitude following the European Parliament's resolution demanding the immediate release of Cuban political prisoners, including her husband and daughter.
What actions did the European Parliament resolution call for?
The resolution calls for the release of all Cuban political prisoners and individual sanctions against those responsible for repression, starting with Miguel Díaz-Canel.
How has the European Parliament previously acted regarding Cuba?
Earlier in the year, the European Parliament supported an amendment to suspend privileged cooperation with Cuba and demanded sanctions against Cuban leadership.