The resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Reverend Rosales Fajardo and “of all those detained for the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

Reverend Rosales Fajardo, leader of the Monte de Sion Independent Church in Palma Soriano, Cuba, was detained by State Security officers on 11 July while he participated in peaceful protests which took place across the island. He has been imprisoned ever since and the Cuban government is seeking to impose a 10-year prison sentence. His family has been informed that his trial will take place on 21, 22 or 23 December.

EU-Cuba relations are framed by the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) which was signed in 2016. The agreement makes provisions for trade cooperation, sustainable development and political dialogue on topics including strengthening human rights and democracy. The agreement can be suspended in the event of Cuba’s non-compliance with its obligations outlined in the human rights clause.

In its resolution today, the European Parliament called upon the European Union to trigger this process, which if enacted could lead to the indefinite suspension of its Agreement with Cuba.

During the debate, Vice President of European Parliament Dita Charanzová MEP urged the EU’s High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) Josep Borrell, to trigger the clause by calling an urgent meeting with the Cuban authorities, stating that “the EU still isn’t taking concrete steps in the face of human rights violations in Cuba”.

Bert-Jan Ruissen MEP specifically raised freedom of religion or belief, explaining that “Unregistered churches have a particularly hard time. The registration process is often arbitrary and discriminatory […] I would therefore call on the EEAS (European External Action Service) to raise the issue of religious freedom more emphatically in its contacts with the Cuban authorities.”

Following the debate, Commissioner Lenarčič reiterated the EU’s “policy of critical engagement with Cuba in the framework of this agreement [PDCA]. We will continue to demand full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

The Urgency Resolution follows an earlier European Parliament resolution in September 2021 which condemned the government crackdown on protests and citizens in Cuba following 11 July protests. On 13 November, an open letter was also sent to the Cuban Embassy in Brussels, calling for sanctions on individuals in Cuba responsible for human rights violations. The letter was co-signed by seven MEPs including Vice President of the European Parliament Dita Charanzová and the co-Chair of the Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief Peter van Dalen.

Commenting on the Resolution and debate, CSW’s Europe Liaison Officer, Jonathan de Leyser said: “CSW welcomes this European Parliament resolution, which urges the European Union to go beyond words and take decisive action to hold the Cuban government to account. While we can attest to the personal concern and professionalism of EEAS officials working on Cuba, we condemn the failure of EU leaders to enforce the conditions of the PDCA; and to introduce Magnitsky sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations in Cuba. With Reverend Rosales Fajardo’s trial set for some time next week, and the situation deteriorating for all Cubans, there is no time to lose.”

Note to Editors:

1. The text of the resolution can be read here.