Largely peaceful protests in Cuba have increased in recent years, driven by poverty, lack of access to healthcare and medicine, energy cuts, and high inflation. In response, the government has threatened the death penalty for those participating in demonstrations.
Government officials made this clear during a televised program, emphasizing that the crime of sedition – which carries penalties up to death – is necessary to maintain order and social justice in the country. The threats from military and Cuban justice system representatives came after large protests in March that resulted in the detention of around 38 people.
The government claims that these protests are being encouraged by terrorists based in the United States and aim to undermine its authority and generate violence to discredit it. As a result, arrests and convictions were handed out, with protesters labeled as seditious acts. The death penalty was abolished in Cuba with the 1940 Constitution but was reinstated after the 1959 revolution, leading to thousands of executions. The death penalty remains valid under the new Penal Code, which also increases crimes subject to maximum punishment and life imprisonment, limiting freedom of expression and assembly.
International organizations have condemned these laws, stating that they further stifle dissent in Cuba. While human rights organizations have raised concerns about these practices, the regime defends them as necessary for protecting society and defending against threats. However, there are ongoing challenges faced by Cuba when it comes to human rights violations and restrictions on freedom of expression.
