Political prisoner situation in Cuba

Reports indicate a significant increase in the number of political prisoners in Cuba, with the NGO Prisoners Defenders stating that the count reached a record 1,327 by the end of July 2026. This rise includes the detention of artists, journalists, and minors, some of whom were reportedly arrested during protests regarding power outages and social conditions.

Following a protest at the Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila regarding poor living conditions—such as overcrowding and lack of food and water—authorities have reportedly issued new criminal charges against detainees. These charges include prison disorder and contempt. Legal professionals have raised concerns regarding the systemic misuse of preventive detention, alleging that the government uses provisional imprisonment as a tool to neutralize individuals deemed “sensitive” due to their critical profiles or participation in demonstrations. While human rights organizations document these increases in repression, the Cuban government maintains that there are no political prisoners in the country, asserting that those incarcerated have committed crimes defined by national legislation.

By the end of August 2026, Prisoners Defenders reported that the number of political prisoners had risen further to a record 1,339. The organization claims individuals continue to be detained for peaceful protests demanding essential services like electricity and water. Additionally, reports highlight a dire sanitary situation within the prison system, noting that 463 prisoners suffer from serious medical pathologies allegedly exacerbated by malnutrition, mistreatment, and the denial of medical care.