On Sunday, one day before the anniversary of the unprecedented July 11th protests on the island, Cubans in Miami held a prayer vigil.
On July 11, 2021, for the first time in decades, hundreds of people in Cuba took to the streets and called for freedom. Many cried out against the lack of food, electricity, and medical care.
Many of the July 11th protesters were arrested and about 1,000 currently remain in jail, according to Cuba Decide.
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Father Jose Joaquin Espino says it’s important people on the island know the Miami community stands with them.
“This is ongoing. It is remembering and keeping alive the hope and the flame, the freedom Cuba has been seeking for such a long time,” said Espino, the pastor at Ermita de la Caridad.
NBC 6 also spoke via phone to dissident Angel Cuza Alfonso in Cuba.
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Cuza Alfonso protested on July 11th last year and said there are currently Cuban security agents standing at his door blocking him from leaving his home.
