Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2023
A focus on Cuba
Since 1981, November 15th has marked the Day of the Imprisoned Writer – observed by PEN International and all PEN centers around the world– to acknowledge the courageous writers who have been imprisoned solely for their artistic expression. In line with ARC and PEN International’s joint ongoing advocacy work on Cuba, we are highlighting Cuban poet and activist Maria Cristina Garrido Rodriguez, who is one of the four imprisoned writers recognized this year by PEN International, alongside Tibetan writer Go Sherab Gyatso, Ukrainian journalist Iryna Danylovych, and Moroccan journalist Soulaiman Raissouni.
On March 10, 2022, Rodriguez received a seven-year prison sentence on charges such as ‘public disorder’ and ‘resistance’ for her participation in the peaceful protests that swept Cuba on July 11. Currently, she is imprisoned in the Guatao Women’s Prison, where she has been subjected to harsh and inhumane treatment, including solitary confinement, physical assault, deprivation of food and water, and inadequate sanitary conditions. She has also been denied family visits and phone calls on various occasions.
It was not until the 349th day of her detention that Garrido was able to resume writing. In December 2021, from her prison cell, she wrote a letter expressing her pride in participating in the demonstrations on July 11 and spoke out against the horrors faced by those incarcerated in Cuban prisons, writing, “On July 11, we exhibited courage and determination, breaking the silence of years. We demonstrated unity and diversity, as people of all ages and backgrounds took to the streets to voice their support for the overthrow of the dictatorship and for a prosperous, democratic Cuba.” Since 2022, the year of her unjust sentence, ARC has included Rodriguez in its international campaign Voces Presas, aiming to shine a light on imprisoned and harassed Cuban artists.
Since its inception in 2017, ARC has advocated for Cuban writers, artists, and cultural workers as Cuban authorities have targeted independent art and culture leading to the deterioration of artistic freedom. For four and a half years, ARC and partner organizations have been monitoring the situation on the island, finding a deepening of state violence against artists; the criminalization of freedom of expression and the right to protest; and the misuse of criminal law. Observations also include the increase of unjustified restrictive frameworks that are in opposition to freedom of expression.
November 15th also marks another important day for Cuban artists and writers: the day of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Cuba. The session will review the Cuban State’s human rights record since the last UPR four years ago.
With a coalition of international and Cuban organizations, ARC has submitted a joint submission to the UPR on Cuba demanding: an end to repressive practices that force artists and cultural professionals into exile; the repeal of censorious legislation; and the release of all persons imprisoned and arbitrarily detained for exercising their freedom of expression.
To learn more about artistic freedom of expression in Cuba, read ARC’s report Método Cuba: Independent Artists’ Testimonies of Forced Exile.
Take Action:
• Release Garrido immediately and unconditionally, and drop all charges against her;
• Pending her release, ensure that she is allowed regular communication with her family and adequate health care, and that she in not subjected to any form of ill-treatment;
• Release all writers and artists unjustly imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of expression and artistic expression;
• Abide by their international human rights obligations and uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
President Sr. Miguel Díaz-Canel:
Email: despacho@presidencia.gob.cu
Twitter: @DiazCanelB
Minister of Justice Oscar Silvera Martínez:
Email: apoblacion@minjus.gob.cu
Twitter: @CubaMinjus
Facebook: @MinisterioJusticiaCuba
Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso Grau:
Twitter: @AlpidioAlonsoG
Facebook: @MinisterioCulturaCuba
Minister of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla:
Email: dm@minrex.gob.cu
Twitter: @BrunoRguezP
Facebook: @CubaMINREX
Please send emails to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in your own country.