Restrictions on religious life in Cuba are the ‘new normal’
FIVE years on from Cuba’s largest demonstrations since the 1959 Revolution, which ushered in a Communist government, increased restrictions on religious life have become the “new normal”, a new report says.
The report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Cuba’s New Normal: The situation of freedom of religion or belief five years after 11J, says that Cubans have been subjected to an ongoing government crackdown since the demonstrations on 11 July 2021, which brought protesters on to the streets over increasing authoritarianism and the government’s handling of the spiralling economic crisis.
The government responded with a wave of repression and nearly 800 political prisoners remain behind bars today, according to data compiled by Human Rights Watch.
During the past 18 months, CSW has logged 667 violations of freedom of religion, from arbitrary detention to abuse and the harassment of children.
Religious leaders are being intimidated by the use of Actas de Advertencia, official documents used to caution individuals deemed prone to committing a crime, which can later be used to justify arrests or increase the severity of sentences.
Harassment and intimidation affects all religious groups, the report says. Since 2021, new laws and legal codes have been introduced to further restrict freedom of religion and belief. A revised Family Code gives the government the power to remove children from their homes if parents fail to instil a “love for the homeland, respect of its symbols, and respect for the authorities”.
Other parts of the same code have also been hailed as progressive by some groups for expanding rights for LGBTQ+ communities and women.
CSW’s report documents violations against Roman Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, practitioners of Afro-Cuban religions, Muslims, Jews and other faith communities. CSW said that the range of those affected demonstrates that the restrictions were not directed at any one denomination but at all religious activity.
Religious leaders have been summoned for interrogation by state security officers, placed under surveillance, prevented from travelling, or detained to stop them leading worship or attending religious events. Others have been warned against preaching on issues such as poverty, human rights or the treatment of political prisoners, CSW said.
Churches and other religious communities have become increasingly important sources of humanitarian support as Cuba’s economic crisis has deepened amid tightening US sanctions. Congregations distributing food, medicine and other essential supplies have also faced official obstruction, including the confiscation of aid, threats of prosecution, and heavy fines.
The report also highlights restrictions on religious practice in prisons. Political prisoners have reportedly been denied pastoral visits, access to religious literature, and opportunities for communal worship. Relatives seeking support from churches have themselves been subjected to harassment and intimidation.
Children have not escaped. The report records cases of pupils being verbally abused, physically assaulted or discriminated against because of their faith or their families’ involvement in religious communities.
CSW’s director of advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl, said: “Five years since Cubans from all walks of life took to the streets to demand justice, human rights, and democracy, their calls remain intentionally unheeded by the Cuban Communist Party, which instead remains intent on rejecting any idea of political or social reform, even as Cuba grapples with an increasingly acute humanitarian crisis.
“We call on the international community to honour the bravery of Cubans across the island, including many religious leaders who continue to speak publicly and honestly about the situation in the country, by amplifying their voices and seeking creative and co-ordinated ways to support them.”