Andy García Lorenzo released after 20-hour detention in Cuba

Andy García Lorenzo, a former political prisoner and activist, was released on Monday after being detained for more than 20 hours by Cuban authorities in Santa Clara, Villa Clara province.

García Lorenzo was apprehended near a protest regarding electricity shortages in the Vigía district. While authorities accused him of “public disorder,” his family maintains he was arrested while simply filming the scene with his phone. His sister, Roxana García Lorenzo, stated that the arrest occurred while he was walking and filming on 2nd Street.

During his detention at the Third Unit of the National Revolutionary Police, García Lorenzo’s parents staged a protest outside the station, refusing to leave until they received information about his status. The activist had also reportedly refused food during his custody. This incident follows previous threats from State Security regarding his social media activism and the potential legal consequences of posting images of military facilities.