In response to the news that Dr Eduardo Cardet Concepción was released on probation on 4 May 2019, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, said:
“We welcome the news that Dr Eduardo Cardet has been released on probation and can be reunited with his family. However, as long as his freedom is conditional, Eduardo Cardet is still a prisoner of conscience. He should never have been arrested in the first place.”
“Although his release on parole is a positive step, we reiterate that the arrest and subsequent conviction of Dr Eduardo Cardet in 2016 was politically motivated. Therefore, we will keep demanding his absolute freedom, without any conditions. We will continue to closely monitor his situation and to conduct global campaigning actions in defence of his rights.”
Dr Eduardo Cardet, leader of the Christian Liberation Movement (MCL), was arrested on 30 November 2016, five days after the death of Fidel Castro. He was later found guilty of assaulting a state official and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in March 2017.
Several witnesses who spoke to Amnesty International contradict the official version of events. Prior to his arrest, Dr Eduardo Cardet had given interviews published in international media in which he had been critical of the Cuban government.
According to information received by Amnesty International, Dr Eduardo Cardet will have to comply with certain conditions in order to remain out of prison until his sentence ends on 30 September 2019. Dr Eduardo Cardet will be informed of the conditions of his release in a hearing set for 16 May.
If you would like further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Elizabeth Berton-Hunter, Media Relations 416-363-9933 ext 332 bberton-hunter@amnesty.ca
More information:
Cuba: Defender sentenced after criticizing Castro (Campaigns, 27 March 2017) https://www.amnesty.org/es/documents/amr25/5979/2017/en/
Cuba: Human rights defender’s sentence upheld (Campaigns, 25 March 2017) https://www.amnesty.org/es/documents/amr25/6363/2017/en/
