Cubans Commemorate Fourth Anniversary of 2021 Protests
Cubans across the globe gathered to mark the fourth anniversary of the significant protests that occurred in 2021. On that day, numerous individuals took to the streets of almost every major city, calling for an end to the communist regime.
As reported by human rights organizations, by July 11, 2025, about 65% of documented political prisoners in Cuba were linked to these protests. A group advocating for prisoners highlighted that there are currently 1,158 political prisoners in Cuba, with 752 arrested in connection to the 2021 protests. Overall, it is estimated that as many as 8,000 individuals were detained on July 11, 2021, due to their anti-communist sentiments.
In a statement regarding the protests, Javier Laronde, President of Prisoner Advocates, noted that Western nations, apart from the United States, continue to support the oppressive Cuban regime through tourism and business dealings. He expressed concern about the lack of action from democratic countries like Canada, Norway, and members of the European Union in the four years following the unrest, calling it a display of hypocrisy and a lack of political intelligence.
Laronde also asserted that globalization brings with it a responsibility for these countries to respond to the humanitarian violations taking place in Cuba, which he believes contravenes ideas of sovereignty and non-intervention.
The figures reported by prisoner advocacy groups reflect only those who have faced imprisonment for political offenses, suggesting that the actual number of political prisoners may be significantly higher. The government frequently detains dissenters, subjecting them to torture without any formal charges, complicating full documentation of these cases. Among notable victims are members of the Ladies in White, who have endured regular assaults and arrests without lawful grounds.
During the protests, Cubans shouted for “freedom” as they rallied for their fundamental human rights. The narrative pushed by the previous Biden administration suggested that the discontent was primarily due to the pandemic. However, an investigation by the Cuban Conflict Observatory estimated that over 187,000 people participated in the peaceful demonstrations on July 11.
Reflecting on that time, Juan Gonzalez, a senior director at the National Security Council for the Western Hemisphere under Biden, mentioned in a 2021 interview that there should be a distinction between the political landscape before and after July 11. The response from the Castro government to the protests was marked by severe violence. President Miguel Diaz-Canel, speaking on behalf of the regime, declared a “combat order,” and groups of armed individuals quickly appeared on the streets of Havana, prepared to assault those protesting.
Cubans have protested against the ruling regime for decades since its inception during the violent coup of 1959. A rising tide of oppression has often dampened these efforts, leading to imprisonment, torture, and even murder of those opposing the Marxist regime. Over the years, the government has received support to suppress dissent from other communist nations as well as through profit gained from Western tourism.
The situation escalated notably during Barack Obama’s presidency, when the U.S. softened its policies, inadvertently strengthening the Cuban regime. Popular American figures favored travel to Cuba, unwittingly contributing to the funding of the state’s repressive forces. The administration argued that engagement would benefit the citizens, but many believe the funds were redirected towards maintaining security against dissent.
Critics argue this policy from 2008 to 2016 was disastrous, providing the Castro regime with more power and legitimacy while tightening the grip on freedom of expression.
With changes in U.S. policy direction starting in 2017, the current government is highlighting human rights violations occurring in Cuba and supporting the fight for freedom and democracy alongside the Cuban people.
Recently, the Trump administration also recognized the anniversary of the protests, issuing statements and organizing a gathering of human rights advocates at the U.S. Embassy in Havana. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed those present, honoring their sacrifices in the struggle against the Communist Party’s hold on the people.
Rubio expressed to the attendees, “I know for many, it might seem easier to leave the country than to stay and fight for a free Cuba. But I want you to know that you have our support. We are with you.” He reaffirmed the commitment to raise their cause wherever possible and to pray for Cuba’s swift independence.
