CUBA: RELEASE YORUBA PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Dear President Díaz-Canel,

I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Loreto Hernández García and Donaida Pérez Paseiro, both afro Cuban activists, and leaders of the Yoruba religion in Cuba.

Loreto Hernández García and Donaida Pérez Paseiro were sentenced to 7 and 8 years in prison, respectively, following their peaceful participation in demonstrations on July 11, 2021. They were convicted of “contempt” and “public disorder”, and in the case of Donaida, “assaulting” a state official.

The activists and religious leaders were imprisoned following an unfair trial, lacking in evidence, and sentenced in a judgement which repeatedly refers to the protesters’ political opposition to the government, which should have no bearing in a criminal case. The charges against them should never have been brought.

In an audio message shared with Amnesty International by a family member, Donaida reports that she and Loreto are seriously ill and lack adequate medication, medical care, and food in prison. She also reports that State Security officers have been pressuring them to leave Cuba. Donaida further describes the serious impact of their continued imprisonment on their family’s physical and mental health, including that of their children.

I urge you to release Loreto Hernández García and Donaida Pérez Paseiro immediately and unconditionally, receive adequate healthcare, and ensure redress for human rights violations, including racial and religious discrimination.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]