Cuba reaches a record of 1,339 political prisoners according to Prisoners Defenders
Quick Look
- Cuba has reached a record number of 1,339 political prisoners, the highest in recent decades, according to the monthly report by Prisoners Defenders.
- In August alone, 19 new cases and seven cancellations were recorded, a net increase of 12 compared to July.
- In the last year, from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026, 281 political prisoners were added, the highest figure in three years.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Since July 2021, 2,020 people have entered Cuban prisons, out of a total of 2,167 registered political prisoners. Prisoners Defenders monitors the situation of political prisoners in Cuba on a monthly basis, reporting harsh prison conditions and arrests for political reasons.
Cuba has reached a record 1,339 political prisoners, the highest number in decades, according to the monthly report by the human rights organization Prisoners Defenders. In August alone, 19 new cases and seven cancellations were recorded, a net increase of 12 compared to July.
In the last year, from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026, the list added 281 political prisoners, the highest figure in the last three years, with an average of more than 23 new cases per month. Among the 1,339 detainees there are 155 women, an all-time record according to the organization, and 38 people arrested when they were minors, 14 of whom are still in prison.
"Asking for water or electricity can lead to prison", denounced the president of Prisoners Defenders, Javier Larrondo, according to whom the repression also affects children and family members. The report also reports 463 prisoners with serious pathologies and 54 prisoners of conscience with serious mental disorders.
Since July 2021, 2,020 people have entered Cuban prisons, out of a total of 2,167 registered political prisoners.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Prisoners Defenders will continue to publish monthly reports on the situation of political prisoners in Cuba
Very likely · Within months
The international community will increase diplomatic pressure on Cuba regarding the human rights situation
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What are the specific charges against the 1,339 political prisoners?
- How does the Cuban government respond to Prisoners Defenders' accusations?
- What are the detailed health conditions of the 463 prisoners with serious pathologies?
- Is there a possibility of release or fair trial for prisoners of conscience with mental disorders?
