Introduction
As we reach the midpoint of the year, the revolving door of political prisoners continues unabated. Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua collectively hold nearly 2,400 political prisoners. These countries share authoritarian models where expressing differing opinions or thoughts is a serious crime, often punishable by imprisonment and even death.
Cuba: The 66-Year Dictatorship
Cuba, under a 66-year dictatorship, leads the ranking of political prisoners with 1,158 arrests among activists, religious figures, communicators, and even individuals who merely voiced differing opinions. The new Cuban Penal Code, enacted two years ago, further strengthens sanctions and punishments against citizens, including the death penalty. Civilians are tried in military courts, and torture remains prevalent.
Venezuela: 932 Political Prisoners
Venezuela reports 932 political prisoners, with 837 men and 95 women. Following Donald Trump’s electoral victory, Maduro released some political prisoners to improve his image. However, the crackdown persisted due to his failure.
- Detentions: Since 2014, Foro Penal has recorded over 18,420 political detentions in Venezuela.
- Cuban Influence: The Venezuelan regime has received direct support from “Cuban advisors” for espionage, persecution, and torture of political prisoners.
Nicaragua: Forced Disappearances and Exiles
Nicaragua has 52 political prisoners, a smaller number compared to Cuba and Venezuela. However, Ortega practices forced disappearances, exiles, and house arrests for thousands of citizens.
- Exodus: Between 2018 and 2022, over 260,000 Nicaraguans (4% of the population) fled due to political persecution.
- Lack of Freedoms: There are no civil or religious liberties in Nicaragua. Ortega has been accused of causing the death of even his own brother, General Humberto Ortega.
Bolivia: Politicized Justice System
With a “popularly elected” judiciary system, Bolivia’s justice is subject to political and cocalero interests. More than 314 political prisoners are estimated, mostly resulting from the regimes of Evo Morales and Luis Arce.
Prominent Case: Former President Jeanine Añez has been a political prisoner since 2021, sentenced to 10 years for defending freedom and challenging the cocalero regime of Evo Morales.
Silence from CELAC and New OAS
The Latin American and Caribbean Community of States (CELAC) and the new Organization of American States (OAS) remain silent on dictatorships and their political prisoners. They fail to protect victims, instead shielding perpetrators and mistaking non-interference for complicity.
Global conflicts in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine overshadow Latin America’s severe crisis, normalizing the brutal crimes of Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Bolivia’s tyrannies.
Call to Action: The struggle for the total liberation of political prisoners must be reinforced and highlighted. We are their voice, and we cannot remain silent.
