Threatening Death for Protesting: The Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in Cuba
In recent years, protests in Cuba have increased due to various reasons such as poverty, lack of medicines, energy cuts and high inflation. These demonstrations have been met with a harsh response from the regime, which has threatened the death penalty for those participating. Government officials have warned on a televised program about the consequences of joining these protests, emphasizing that sedition is a crime punishable by death.
The threats from military and Cuban justice system representatives came after large peaceful protests in March where around 38 people were detained. The government claims that these protests are encouraged by terrorists in the United States and are aimed at undermining its authority and generating violence to discredit it. As a result, arrests and convictions were made, with the regime labeling these protests as seditious acts.
Cuba’s constitution abolished the death penalty in 1940 but reinstated it after the 1959 revolution, leading to thousands of executions. The death penalty remains valid in the new Penal Code, which also increases crimes subject to maximum punishment and life imprisonment. This limits freedom of expression and assembly even further, stifling dissent in Cuba even more so than before. International organizations have condemned these laws, stating that they further limit human rights violations and restrictions on freedom of expression in Cuba.
Despite its defense of the death penalty as a means of protecting society and the Revolution, Cuba continues to face challenges related to human rights violations and restrictions on freedom of expression. While this may be seen as necessary measures for maintaining order and social justice in Cuba, it ultimately raises concerns among human rights organizations and activists who believe that severe punishments should not be used to silence dissent or restrict civil liberties.
In conclusion, while protesters continue to demonstrate against poverty
