Arrest of Evangelical Pastor Reverend Michael Bobo Velasquez in Cuba on Charges of Disobedience Following Prayer Rally Attempt

Reverend Michael Bobo Velasquez, a church patron associated with the “Holy Word of Fire and Blessing,” was arrested in Cuba on charges of “disobedience” following his attempt to organize a public prayer rally for the country. The incident has drawn attention from human rights organizations and churches, who have expressed concerns over restrictions on freedom of worship and assembly. Velasquez was detained in the district of Camagui on September 26, 2026, after he had invited various churches to participate in a public prayer event.

According to the World Christian Solidarity Organization, the Cuban State Security Services summoned Reverend Velasquez on September 25, 2026, and warned him against proceeding with the planned gathering at the stadium “Candedo González Morales.” Despite the warning, the assembly was canceled, and the pastor was urged not to attend. However, Velasquez went to the location the following day and was subsequently arrested. The charge against him was reportedly linked to his attempt to organize the prayer meeting.

The Law Organization reported that Reverend Velasquez was detained for nine days at the headquarters of the State Security Service, during which time he was not permitted to communicate with anyone outside the facility. He was later transferred to the prison “La Seramica Roja,” located outside the city of Camagui. The organization described the pastor’s detention as arbitrary and emphasized the need to respect his right to freely exercise his faith.

Reverend Velasquez’s wife, Anicely Ortiz, expressed sympathy for her husband’s situation and called on believers and churches to pray for his release. She made this appeal during an appearance with church leaders, members of her group, and children, at a time when the family faced difficult circumstances, particularly regarding medical care for their eldest daughter, who was hospitalized.

Christian and legal groups, including the Alliance of Cuban Christians and the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, have also called for the release of Reverend Velasquez and the protection of freedom of religion in Cuba. Christian Solidarity Worldwide noted that the pastor had previously been detained and interrogated in July 2025 for attempting to visit two families of political prisoners and provide humanitarian assistance.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by Christian leaders in Cuba, especially those involved in religious or humanitarian activities outside the framework recognized by the authorities. From January 2025 to June 2026, Cuba experienced 667,2026 reported cases of violations of freedom of religion, according to available records.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)