ANSA Mondo1 hour agoWorld1 min readItaly

Cuba, record of 1,351 political prisoners in September

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As of September 2026, Cuba reached 1,351 political prisoners, a new record according to Prisoners Defenders, with 50 new cases and 38 releases.
In the last 12 months, 318 opponents have been arrested, while 476 detainees suffer from pathologies and 53 from psychological or neurological disorders, often without adequate treatment.

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Why It Matters

Prisoners Defenders monitors the number of political prisoners in Cuba on a monthly basis, recording arrests, releases and conditions of detention. The September 2026 report shows an increase compared to previous months, linked to protests over essential services such as water and electricity.

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Cuba ended September with 1,351 political prisoners, a new record according to the human rights organization Prisoners Defenders, which added 50 new cases to its monthly list, also recording 38 releases, mostly due to the end of their sentences. The toll, updated as of September 30, includes 152 women and 40 people arrested when they were minors.

In the last twelve months, between October 2025 and September 2026, 318 new political prisoners were registered, with an average of 26.5 per month. The report also reports that 476 political prisoners suffer from pathologies and that 53 have psychological, psychiatric, cognitive or neurological disorders.

According to the NGO, many do not receive adequate medical care or the necessary medications.

The new cases include people arrested during recent protests against power cuts and water shortages, as well as an evangelical pastor detained after calling a public prayer. “Asking for water and electricity can land you in prison,” said Javier Larrondo, president of Prisoners Defenders, denouncing the repression of demonstrations and critical voices.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The number of political prisoners in Cuba will continue to increase if protests over water and electricity persist
Likely · Within months

Open Questions

What are the specific conditions of detention for new prisoners?
Has the Cuban government responded to Prisoners Defenders' allegations?
What are the release prospects for minor or sick political prisoners?

Cuba, record of 1,351 political prisoners in September

Quick Look

As of September 2026, Cuba reached 1,351 political prisoners, a new record according to Prisoners Defenders, with 50 new cases and 38 releases.
In the last 12 months, 318 opponents have been arrested, while 476 detainees suffer from pathologies and 53 from psychological or neurological disorders, often without adequate treatment.

AI-generated summary