The Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation reported lin June that by its count, there are currently at least 114 political prisoners in Cuban jails, up from 102 at the end of 2013. (Read the list of prisoners here.)
Uncommon Sense is attempting to honor these brave Cubans by sharing their names and little about their respective stories. Ever since I started this blog, I have felt it vital to remember their names, names the regime would rather have the world never know. That is the only way to fully grasp the injustices they are suffering.
Today's prisoner is Yordenis Mendoza Cobas.
Mendoza was one of at least 14 activists with the Patriotic Union of Cuba, or UNPACU, arrested during a demonstration March 14, 2014, in a park in Guantanamo. They were protesting the arrest of another UNPACU activist.
All but Mendoza were released a short time later, and the authorities said Mendoza was being held on an "assault" charge in connection with an incident on Oct. 26, 2013, after he defended a truck driver who was being fined by police.
The human rights commission said Mendoza, one of UNPACU's leading activists in Guantanamo, was tried and convicted of charges of "assault" and "disobedience" and sentenced to three years in prison.
UNPACU, one of the largest and most active opposition groups on the island, this month is commemorating the third anniversary of its founding.
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