Episcopal Church in Cuba denounces humanitarian crisis and police harassment

The Episcopal Church in Cuba, led by Bishop Ángel Roberto Rivera Rodríguez and 21 clerics, has issued a pastoral letter expressing “deep dissatisfaction” regarding the ongoing crisis on the island. The clergy denounced the scarcity of basic goods, the deterioration of healthcare and education systems, frequent power outages, and lack of water and medicine.

The religious leaders also condemned the use of violence, intimidation, and police harassment against citizens expressing discontent. They emphasized that the right to expression is protected by the Cuban Constitution and called for dialogue rather than confrontation.

Additionally, the Church expressed solidarity with content creator Anna Sofía Benítez (known as Anna Bensi) and her mother, Caridad Silvente. Both were recently sentenced to two years of liberty limitation by a Havana court following the recording and distribution of a video involving a police officer.