Prisoners Defenders Reports Record 1,339 Political Prisoners in Cuba

The Madrid-based NGO Prisoners Defenders reported that Cuba's political-prisoner count reached a new record of 1,339 as of the end of August 2026, including 155 women — also described as an 'infamous record' — and 38 people detained as minors, 14 of whom remain incarcerated. Between September 2025 and August 2026 the list grew by 281 cases, an average of more than 23 per month and 84.9% higher than the equivalent prior period; August alone saw 19 new incorporations against 7 releases, a net increase of 12. The organization also documented 463 prisoners with serious medical conditions and 54 with severe untreated mental-health disorders. Since the July 2021 protests, Cuba has held a cumulative 2,167 political prisoners, with 2,020 entering custody since that date. Prisoners Defenders president Javier Larrondo said 'requesting water or electricity can lead to incarceration,' and that punishment 'extends to children and entire families' through simultaneous arrests, threats, and forced separations.