Cuba Releases 14 Detainees Linked to 2021 Anti-Government Protests

Kathmandu. A non-governmental organization announced on Saturday that Cuban authorities have released 14 individuals arrested in connection with the anti-government protests of July 2021. Previously, it was reported that only two people had been released.

The decision came just hours after Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that his government has been in talks with the United States. Some prisoners were released on Friday, when Cuban officials also confirmed that negotiations were ongoing.

According to the rights group, as of Friday, there were at least 760 political prisoners in Cuba, including 358 who participated in the July 2021 demonstrations. Cuban communist officials accuse Washington of organizing the protests to overthrow the government.

Recently, President Trump increased pressure on Havana by imposing oil sanctions in January, which has been affecting Cuba's fuel supply and economy.