The European Union urged “Wednesday March 30 Cuba to release
” all political prisoners “
and said
” to follow with deep concern “
the heavy sentences handed down against the demonstrators of the historic rallies of July 11 and 12.
“The European Union urges the Cuban authorities to release all political prisoners and people detained for exercising their freedoms of assembly and expression
,” EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement.
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The EU says it
“follows with deep concern”
the sentences of up to 30 years in prison imposed on participants in the demonstrations of July 11 and 12, 2021, during which more than 1,400 people were arrested and 790 charged , indicates the text.
Thousands of Cubans took to the streets of more than 50 cities shouting
“Freedom”
and
“We are hungry”
.
The charges brought by the prosecution refer to
"sedition"
,
"acts of vandalism"
and
"serious disturbance of public order"
.
The EU called the sentences
"disproportionate"
and said
"these trials raise significant concerns"
in terms of
"transparency and due process"
.
It
“asks the Cuban authorities to allow the diplomatic community to attend these trials”
.
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The Cuban authorities are thus called upon to
“respect the civil and political rights of Cubans, in particular freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.”
“The European Union has constantly encouraged the Cuban government to take into account the concerns of its people and to engage in a meaningful and inclusive dialogue on their legitimate demands, and will continue to do so”
, continues the text.
She said she was
"ready to support all efforts to protect, promote and implement human rights and freedoms for all Cubans, within the framework of the political dialogue and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Cuba.
