A Protestant pastor in Cuba has been released after spending more than three months in detention, following a confrontation with government officials over the country's continuing shortages and power cuts.
Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo, 58, leader of the Communion in Faith Church in Regla Municipality, Havana Province, was released under what authorities described as "precautionary measures" on 11 September.
He had been detained since 10 June after being accused of public disorder.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said the pastor was arrested after challenging government officials whom he believed were giving the public misleading information about prolonged interruptions to basic services.
Cuba has faced extended power cuts alongside shortages of food, medicines and other essential supplies.
According to CSW, Pastor Padrón Lorenzo was held incommunicado throughout his detention. The organisation said this was particularly concerning because the pastor suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.
After his release, he described conditions inside the detention centre as "very difficult", saying some of the food was spoiled and almost impossible to eat.
"Being separated from my family was especially painful," he said, "I suffered a lot there."
The pastor maintains that the comments which led to his arrest were an expression of frustration over the problems facing the Cuban population rather than a threat against any individual.
"What I shouted out loud there did not mention any names and was not directed at anyone in particular, but at a government structure," he said.
He acknowledged that he had spoken loudly and ended his remarks with the words "down with the dictatorship", but continues to reject the public disorder accusation.
Although Pastor Padrón Lorenzo has now returned home, the case against him has not been dropped. Authorities have ordered him to report to them twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays, while he awaits trial.
Anna Lee Stangl, CSW's Director of Advocacy and Americas Team Leader, said: "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right and no one should be detained or imprisoned for peacefully speaking up for their community."
She called for the pastor's "full and immediate acquittal".
