Persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has called on the Cuban government to end systematic restrictions on religious freedom in its prisons, warning that inmates are frequently denied basic rights to practise their faith.

Reports indicate that prisoners are routinely barred from accessing religious leaders, prohibited from keeping Bibles or other sacred texts, and unable to gather for worship, study, or prayer.

Those who attempt to pray or perform rituals risk threats, verbal harassment, or physical interference from prison staff.

These restrictions have grown more severe over the past five years, reversing the limited improvements seen in the early 2010s.

CSW notes that the rise in Cuba’s prison population, including a sharp increase in political detainees, has been accompanied by stricter sentencing rules and a government crackdown on perceived dissent.

A total of 181 prisoners participated in CSW’s study, with 102 of them imprisoned for political reasons. All but one considered themselves political prisoners due to their participation in the protests of 11th July 2021. The group was diverse in its religious beliefs.

Human rights and faith groups have urged Cuba to implement the Nelson Mandela Rules across all prisons, ensure staff at every level are trained in these standards, and guarantee that the freedom of religion or belief of all prisoners is upheld.

Recommendations include allowing religious visits with privacy and dignity, permitting leaders from unregistered faith groups to enter prisons, ending the confiscation of religious materials as punishment, and granting the International Committee of the Red Cross access to all detention facilities.

CSW has also called on the UK government to act by monitoring detentions, supporting families of prisoners, and applying diplomatic pressure in various ways.

The charity and other advocacy groups warned that urgent reforms are needed to protect faith, human dignity, and the rights of all prisoners in Cuba. This is to ensure that every inmate can practise their beliefs safely and without fear.