Cuban Political Prisoner Aniette Gonzalez Released Amid Ongoing Repression

Cuban political prisoner Aniette Gonzalez was released from prison on December 6th after serving a three-year sentence for insulting national symbols. Her arrest occurred in March 2023 when she published photos of herself wrapped in the Cuban flag to support artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, who is also imprisoned for similar reasons.

Gonzalez faced harsh conditions in the Kilo 5 women's prison in Camaguey, where she was held for nearly a year before her trial. Despite various legal appeals, including a habeas corpus petition, all were rejected by the court.

Following her release, organizations such as the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press condemned her detention, highlighting the state's criminalization of dissent. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights had previously issued precautionary measures regarding her health and treatment in prison, noting serious risks to her rights.

As of now, there are 1,179 political prisoners in Cuba, with ongoing repression against free expression and dissent persisting on the island, exemplified by Gonzalez's case and the continued imprisonment of activists like Otero.