The UN human rights director expressed concern on Friday about the alleged use of disproportionate force during unprecedented public protests in Cuba, calling for the immediate release of all those jailed only for protesting.
Michelle Bachelet urged the administration to address the demonstrators' concerns and appealed for the sanctions against the island to be lifted.
Since enormous protests erupted across Cuba on Sunday, one person has died and at least 100 people have been jailed, according to reports.
In a statement, UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet stated, "I am very concerned at the alleged use of excessive force against demonstrators in Cuba and the arrest of a large number of people, including several journalists,"
"It is particularly worrying that these include individuals allegedly held incommunicado and people whose whereabouts are unknown," she stated, emphasizing that "all those detained for exercising their rights must be promptly released."
The protests are the greatest in Cuba since the revolution in the 1950s, and they come as the country faces its worst economic crisis in 30 years, with chronic shortages of electricity, food, and medicine, as well as an increase in coronavirus infections.
Following the demonstrations in dozens of cities and towns, Cuba's San Isidro free speech protest movement produced a list of 144 persons held or reported as missing late Monday.
The interior ministry announced Tuesday that a 36-year-old man died during a protest on the outskirts of Havana on Monday.
"I deeply regret the death of one protester in the context of protests in Havana," Bachelet stated.
"It is important that there be an independent, transparent, effective investigation, and that those responsible are held accountable."
She also encouraged Cuban authorities to fully restore internet connection, which had been disrupted for three days earlier this week.
The UN human rights director emphasized the demonstrations' harsh economic environment, with protestors seeking the easing of economic restrictions that have limited access to food, medicines, even Covid vaccinations.
"I urge the Government to address the protesters' grievances through dialogue, and to respect and fully protect the rights of all individuals to peaceful assembly and to freedom of opinion and expression," she added.
Havana, which has been under US sanctions since 1962, has blamed the outpouring of unhappiness on Washington's "policy of economic suffocation to provoke social unrest"
Bachelet renewed her appeal for unilateral sanctions against the country to be lifted, citing their "given their negative impact on human rights, including the right to health."
