Loreto Hernández García

Gender: Male

Current Location: Provincial Prison, Santa Clara

Perpetrator: Cuba

Ethnic Group: Yoruba

Religion or Belief: Santería

Health Concerns: Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension, High Blood Pressure, Other Cardiac Issues

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Sentence: 7 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: July/15/2021

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

Loreto Hernández García

Extra Bio Info:

Loreto Hernández García is imprisoned for his 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 his participation in a peaceful human rights protest.

In February 2022, the Popular Municipal Court of Santa Clara sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment for “public disorder” and “contempt.”

During detention, prison guards tried to force García to renounce his faith. They also physically harmed him, punished him with solitary confinement, and denied him medical care for his diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

García is married with two children. His wife, Donaida Pérez Paseiro, is also in prison for her participation in the July 11 protests. Prior to this case, García and his wife were harassed repeatedly by authorities due to their religious leadership.

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