U.S. demands release of 700 people unjustly detained in Cuba 

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The United States (U.S.) on Thursday demanded the release of nearly 700 people unjustly detained in Cuba due to their participation in peaceful protests three years ago.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a statement to commemorate July 11, 2021 Protests in Cuba, said America reflected upon the courage and resilience of the Cuban people who, on that day and the days that followed, bravely took to the streets to demand respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

He said tens of thousands of voices rose in unison, echoing a profound call for change, justice, and a government that listens to its citizens.

“Three long years later, nearly 700 individuals remain unjustly detained in Cuba due to their participation in these historic, overwhelmingly peaceful protests.

“We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release, as well as for the release of all political prisoners detained in Cuba,” Blinken said.

Blinken added that the Cuban people would not be silenced, and neither would U.S.’ commitment to stand by them in their pursuit of a brighter, freer future.

“Our message to the Cuban government is unequivocal: the protection of human rights and fundamental freedom is non-negotiable,” he said.

in 2021, a series of protests against the Cuban government and the Communist Party of Cuba began on 11 July 2021, triggered by a shortage of food and medicine and the government’s response to the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba.

The protests were the largest anti-government demonstrations since the Maleconazo in 1994. Protesters’ motivations included resentment at the Cuban government’s authoritarianism and curbs on civil liberties, the government’s COVID-19 pandemic lockdown rules, the government’s failure to follow through on promised economic and political reforms.

Protesters were also angered by the poor state of the Cuban economy. Cuban dissidents have placed the responsibility on the government’s economic policies and human rights abuses.

The Cuban government had blamed the U.S. for the protest.