Law Enforcement
US calls for release of political prisoner Julian Mazola Beltran
"Peaceful protests are not a crime, why is Julian being punished? We call for his immediate release," demanded the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. The young man is being asked to serve 12 years in prison
December 23, 2021 2:44am
Updated: December 23, 2021 11:01am
The United States government on Tuesday asked for the release of Julian Mazola Beltran, a political prisoner in Cuba who was imprisoned after peacefully protesting at the July 11 protests in San Antonio de los Baños.
"Cuban national Julian Manuel Mazola Beltran was put on trial last week and faces up to 12 years in prison. The Cuban regime accuses him of leading the 11J protests," the U.S. Embassy in Havana posted on Twitter.
El cubano Julián Manuel Mazola Beltrán fue juzgado la semana pasada y se enfrenta a 12 años de prisión. El régimen de #Cuba le acusa de liderar las protestas del #11J. La protesta pacífica no es un delito. ¿Por qué se castiga a Julián? Pedimos su liberación inmediata.
— Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Cuba (@USEmbCuba) December 21, 2021
"Peaceful protests are not a crime, why is Julian being punished? We call for his immediate release," the diplomatic delegation added.
The trials against the demonstrators of San Antonio de los Baños, where the social outbreak that spread to more than 60 localities throughout the country began, were held last week. The Prosecutor's Office is asking for sentences ranging from 6 to 15 years of imprisonment.
Mazola Beltrán, 21, was tried on December 15 in Guanajay prison along with 16 other protesters who were handcuffed by their hands and feet.
