More than 700 political prisoners are held captive by the Cuban regime.

Error detected

The claim uses 'more than 700' as the estimated number of political prisoners, while the best available evidence from May 2026 documents approximately 1,260 political prisoners — roughly 80% higher than the stated magnitude. The real figure is clearly and substantially greater than claimed.

Omissions

• The MEP did not cite a specific source or time period for the figure. The most recent data available before the session date (May 19, 2026) from Prisoners Defenders (May 14, 2026 report) documented 1,260 political prisoners — far higher than the claimed 700.
• The figure of 'nearly 700' or 'over 700' cited by some sources appears to date to approximately October 2025, making it outdated by roughly seven months at the time of the claim.
• The Cuban government announced the release of 2,010 prisoners in April 2026, though human rights organizations contend that most of those released were common criminals, not political prisoners, and that new political detentions have continued.

Sources

• SecondaryPrisoners DefendersPrisoners Defenders documents 1,260 political prisoners in Cuba with 23 new cases in April 2026, marking an absolute record. The report details torture, sexual aggression, and death threats.
• SecondaryHuman Rights WatchOver 700 political prisoners remain behind bars in Cuba, according to groups like Justicia 11J and Prisoners Defenders, and hundreds more have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment.
• SecondaryCuba Center — CubaBriefOver 1,200 political prisoners remain in Cuban jails despite regime's mass release claims. The NGO Prisoners Defenders reported that as of October, Cuba held nearly 700 political prisoners behind bars.
• Secondaryecoi.net — World Report 2026The NGO Prisoners Defenders reported that as of October, Cuba held nearly 700 political prisoners behind bars. In October, the NGO Justicia 11J reported that there were approximately 1,200 political prisoners in the country.