It is unacceptable and unjust.
Christian leaders in Cuba are voicing strong opposition to the government’s escalating restrictions on religious freedom, issuing a statement condemning the penalties imposed on religious leaders and the limitations placed on worship practices. The Alliance of Christians of Cuba (ACC), an independent organization of religious leaders established in 2022, criticized the Cuban government’s refusal to legalize unregistered places of worship and the heavy fines levied against religious leaders, which they say hinder their ability to provide much-needed humanitarian aid amidst a deepening national crisis.
The statement, signed by 63 religious leaders and highlighted by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), described the government’s actions as an assault on freedom of worship and association. Leaders expressed concern that these measures obstruct churches from offering vital social and humanitarian support to vulnerable communities. The ACC revealed that over 1 million Cuban Pesos, approximately $42,000, have been collected in fines from religious leaders, calling it a punitive measure against those striving to assist their communities.
Instances of harassment and fines include a Christian leader in Matanzas fined $850 for refusing to vacate a property legally owned by their group and two registered groups penalized for unauthorized renovations in Camagüey and Holguín. These fines are occurring against the backdrop of Cuba’s worsening economic struggles, exacerbated by natural disasters and repeated power outages. Anna Lee Stangl of CSW noted that instead of enabling religious groups to contribute to the nation’s humanitarian needs, the government is intensifying its repression under President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
This crackdown is part of a broader trend following widespread protests in July 2021. CSW documented over 600 religious freedom violations in recent years, highlighting tactics such as surveillance, interrogation, arbitrary detentions, and threats targeting religious leaders and their congregations. Members of groups like the Ladies in White, founded by relatives of political prisoners, frequently face fines and detentions to prevent them from attending church services.
The Cuban government’s Department for Attention to Religious Institutions, created in 2022, has done little to alleviate tensions, as the Communist Party’s Office of Religious Affairs remains the primary authority. International organizations, including the U.S. State Department, have criticized Cuba for its severe religious freedom violations, listing it as one of the worst offenders globally. Religious leaders and their supporters continue to advocate for their right to worship and provide aid, often facing significant personal risks in their efforts.