Prisoners in Cuba are being routinely refused access to Bibles, religious leaders and worship, according to a report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
The survey of 180 Cuban inmates found that the religious rights of those in prison, for both political and non-political crimes, are routinely and severely violated.
168 participants (93 per cent) said they are never able to practice their faith in prison.
152 prisoners polled (84 per cent) said that they were not allowed a Bible or religious literature of any type.
79 per cent said they had never been permitted to meet with a religious leader. One said he had made over ten requests, and all were denied.
Many prisoners also said that they and others are regularly threatened with losing benefits (including the right to telephone calls and visits) or being placed in solitary confinement if they are caught praying or singing.
Participants in the study shared the daily humiliations they endure, saying prison officers ridicule and demean them because of what they believe. Despite all this, CSW said that those who responded also stated that they continue to hold on to their faith – entrusting their hope to a power higher than the government officers who run the penitentiary system.
CSW's report said: “It is clear from the results of this study that freedom of religion or belief is not only systematically violated throughout Cuba’s prison system but is weaponised and used as a coercion and punishment tactic on prisoners.”
The persecution watchdog is urging the international community to press Cuba to release political prisoners and respect basic human rights.
Photograph shows Donaida Pérez Paseiro, an Afro-Cuban religious leader who was arrested in July 2021.