Cuba’s New Normal: The Situation of Freedom of Religion or Belief Five Years After 11J - Christian Solidarity Worldwide

On 11 July 2021, spontaneous protests erupted across Cuba, initially sparked by shortages of food and medicine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the protests grew, they evolved into a broader call for social and political reform, encapsulated by the anthem ‘Patria y Vida’—a direct challenge to the Cuban government's longstanding slogan ‘Patria o Muerte’. In response, President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez mobilized security forces to suppress the demonstrations, resulting in hundreds of arrests, physical assaults, and reports of fatalities.

Since these events, the Cuban government has intensified its crackdown on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Between January 2025 and June 2026, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) documented 667 cases of FoRB violations, with most incidents involving multiple types of violations. The government has been reported to systematically violate the Nelson Mandela Rules within its prison system, denying prisoners the right to receive religious visits or materials.

Religious leaders face immense pressure to exclude the families of political prisoners from their congregations, a tactic aimed at social isolation. Children with religious beliefs often endure physical and verbal abuse in educational settings. Leaders of unregistered religious groups experience harassment and intimidation, while those from registered groups are subjected to surveillance and repeated interrogations. CSW noted an increase in the use of Actas de Advertencia, documents that threaten future imprisonment for uncommitted crimes, as a means of intimidation against religious leaders.

Religious groups across the spectrum, including Afro-Cuban practitioners, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Protestants, and Roman Catholics, have reported violations of their freedom of religion. The government has shown particular concern over religious leaders who encourage prayer for Cuba, whether privately or in organized vigils.

In the face of acute humanitarian needs, religious leaders attempting to provide assistance have faced harassment and fines, with many having their aid confiscated. Those labeled as dissidents often encounter arbitrary detention, preventing them from attending religious services.

Despite the government's efforts to suppress dissent, religious leaders from both registered and unregistered groups continue to advocate for FoRB and other human rights. They remain vocal about the humanitarian crisis and openly criticize government policies. The Cuban government has made it clear that it rejects any notion of political or social reform. Nevertheless, many Cubans, including religious leaders, persist in their efforts to speak out against injustice and support their communities amid ongoing repression.