Cubans Mark 65 Years Since Bay of Pigs, Demand Release of Political Prisoners

Activists focus on Cuban regime change as number of jailed protesters rises

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A dynamic, fractured painting of a Cuban flag waving in the wind, with overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conceptually representing the ongoing political turmoil and calls for reform in Cuba.The decades-long fight for political change in Cuba continues, with activists demanding the release of imprisoned dissidents and the end of the communist regime.Today in Miami

Cubans and Cuban exiles are marking the 65th anniversary of the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion, a CIA-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist government. Decades later, the U.S. is still pushing for regime change in Cuba, as activists demand the release of political prisoners. The number of Cubans being jailed for protesting against the government is on the rise, with over 1,200 currently imprisoned according to a nonprofit legal network.

Why it matters

The ongoing political tensions and human rights issues in Cuba continue to be a major point of contention between the U.S. and the Cuban government. The demand for the release of political prisoners and the push for regime change reflect the longstanding efforts to bring democratic reforms to the island nation.

The details

Prisoners Defenders, a nonprofit legal network, has verified that at least 44 Cubans were arrested in March after taking part in protests. The organization's president, Javier Larrondo Calafat, says over 1,200 Cubans are currently jailed for showing their opposition to the regime. One of the most notable prisoners is rapper Maykel Osorbo, who was arrested after participating in the historic 2021 Island Protests and collaborating on the Grammy-winning Cuban protest anthem 'Patria y Vida'. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has denied that Cubans are jailed for political reasons.

  • The Bay of Pigs Invasion occurred 65 years ago.
  • In March 2026, at least 44 Cubans were arrested after taking part in protests.

The players

Prisoners Defenders

A nonprofit legal network that is tracking the number of political prisoners in Cuba.

Javier Larrondo Calafat

The president of Prisoners Defenders, who says over 1,200 Cubans are currently jailed for opposing the regime.

Maykel Osorbo

A Cuban rapper who was arrested after participating in the 2021 Island Protests and collaborating on the Grammy-winning protest anthem 'Patria y Vida'.

Miguel Diaz-Canel

The current president of Cuba, who has denied that Cubans are jailed for political reasons.

Anna Bensi

A Cuban content creator and influencer living in Havana who says she is being targeted and threatened by authorities.

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What they’re saying

“Over 1,200 are currently jailed for showing their opposition to the regime.”

— Javier Larrondo Calafat, President of Prisoners Defenders

“Cubans don't get jailed for political reasons.”

— Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of Cuba

What’s next

Activists and human rights groups will continue to monitor the situation in Cuba and push for the release of political prisoners. The U.S. government is also expected to maintain pressure on the Cuban regime to enact democratic reforms.

The takeaway

The ongoing struggle for political freedom and human rights in Cuba remains a complex and contentious issue, with activists and the Cuban government at odds over the treatment of dissidents and the path forward for the island nation.