Cuban Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo Released After Three Months in Detention Over Protest

Alexis Padrón Lorenzo, a 58-year-old Protestant pastor and leader of the Church of Communion in the Faith in the Havana municipality of Regla, was released on September 11 after more than three months of incommunicado detention. The human rights organization Christian Solidarity World (CSW) confirmed the release following his initial arrest on June 10.

The arrest occurred at the intersection of Camilo Cienfuegos Streets and February 24 in Regla during a neighborhood protest triggered by prolonged blackouts and food shortages. According to Padrón Lorenzo, he had left his home deeply disturbed by the situation, stating that children were hungry and food had spoiled. Upon encountering the demonstration and listening to local leaders, he began shouting slogans and confronted the head of the local Criminal Investigation Department (DTI).

Padrón Lorenzo stated that he shouted “Down with the dictatorship” and told the official that Christ had sacrificed himself for the world, but authorities wanted to sacrifice Cuba. He clarified that his words were not directed at any specific individual but were addressed to a governmental structure. Two days after the incident, authorities summoned him to the police station in Regla and notified him of charges for contempt of the first public figure and public disorder.

Following the summons, Padrón Lorenzo was transferred to the El Vivac detention centre in Havana and subsequently to the Valle Grande prison on June 27, where he remained until his release. He suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that aggravated his situation during confinement. He described the conditions as extreme, noting food in poor condition, water cuts of up to four consecutive days, and family visits restricted to one every 21 days.

The pastor reported that he could not eat properly and lost a significant amount of weight during his detention. He described the separation from his family as “especially painful” and stated that he suffered greatly. His release was achieved through the efforts of his defense lawyer, who is also a Christian, according to Padrón Lorenzo.

Despite his release, the charges have not been dropped. Padrón Lorenzo must appear at the police station to sign on Fridays and Sundays while awaiting trial. His lawyer has recommended that he keep a low profile in the hope of converting the precautionary measure into a fine. The case is part of a broader wave of protests in Cuba in June 2026, driven by blackouts that left nearly 70% of the country without electricity simultaneously.

The pursuit of accountability in such contexts reflects the call for justice and mercy outlined in Micah 6:8, where leaders are urged to act with integrity and care for the vulnerable. In situations where institutional power intersects with civic protest, the distinction between lawful expression and public disorder remains a critical legal and moral consideration, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which emphasizes defending the cause of the weak and judging righteously.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)