Donaida Pérez Paseiro

Gender: Female

Current Location: Guamajal prison in Villa Clara

Perpetrator: Cuba

Ethnic Group: Yoruba

Religion or Belief: Santería

Health Concerns: Hypertension, diabetes, contracted COVID-19

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 8 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: July/16/2021

Date of Release: January/15/2025

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role Religious Identity

Nature of Charges: Assault & Battery Public Disorder Unlawful Disobedience

Donaida Pérez Paseiro

Extra Bio Info:

Donaida Pérez Paseiro is imprisoned for her religious leadership.

On July 16, 2021, Cuban authorities arrested Paseiro, the president of the Free Yoruba Association of Cuba, an independent Santería community frequently targeted by the government. The arrest came days after her participation in a peaceful human rights protest. 

In February 2022, the Santa Clara Municipal People’s Court sentenced her to eight years' imprisonment for “public disorder”, “contempt,” and “attacking” an official.

On January 15, 2025, Paseiro was released from prison, but authorities rearrested her in June for allegedly violating the conditions of her release. 

During detention, prison authorities tried to force her to renounce her faith. Paseiro is married with two children, and her husband, Loreto Hernández García, is also imprisoned for participating in the July 11 protests. Prior to this case, authorities arrested Paseiro in February and September of 2020, and injured her face and chest.

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