Cuban political prisoners hunger strike of 2010

[[File:_Cuba]|thumb| Cuba]]] Cuban political prisoners hunger strike of 2010

The Cuban political prisoners hunger strike of 2010 was a significant event in the history of Cuba's human rights movement. The hunger strike was initiated by several Cuban political prisoners to protest against the conditions of their imprisonment and to demand the release of all political prisoners in Cuba.

Background[edit | edit source]

The hunger strike began in February 2010, following the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, a Cuban political prisoner who died after an 85-day hunger strike. Zapata's death drew international attention to the plight of political prisoners in Cuba and sparked a wave of protests and hunger strikes among other prisoners.

Key Figures[edit | edit source]

Among the notable figures who participated in the hunger strike were Guillermo Fariñas, a prominent Cuban dissident and journalist, and Darsi Ferrer, a well-known human rights activist. Fariñas, in particular, gained international recognition for his prolonged hunger strike, which lasted for over 130 days.

Demands and Outcomes[edit | edit source]

The primary demands of the hunger strikers included the release of all political prisoners, improved prison conditions, and greater respect for human rights in Cuba. The hunger strike put significant pressure on the Cuban government, leading to negotiations mediated by the Catholic Church and the Spanish government.

In July 2010, the Cuban government agreed to release 52 political prisoners, a move that was seen as a significant concession. The release was part of a broader agreement that included the relocation of the released prisoners to Spain.

International Reaction[edit | edit source]

The hunger strike and the subsequent release of political prisoners received widespread international attention. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, praised the efforts of the hunger strikers and called for continued pressure on the Cuban government to improve human rights conditions.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Cuban political prisoners hunger strike of 2010 is remembered as a pivotal moment in the struggle for human rights in Cuba. It highlighted the harsh conditions faced by political prisoners and brought international attention to the issue. The event also demonstrated the power of non-violent protest and the impact of international solidarity in effecting change.