Evelyn Castro, Cinthia del Carmen Camarena and Abigail Shefany Gudiño, the three Panamanian women who were detained in Cuba last February and then released this Friday, arrived in the country Saturday April 25. The release of the three Panamanian citizens was confirmed on Friday by the Panamanian Foreign Ministry, through an official statement. The three women (part of a group of 10 citizens) were detained in Havana on February 28, 2026, for allegedly producing “subversive” signs and propaganda contrary to Cuba’s constitutional order. The Cuban Ministry of the Interior alleged they were paid to create anti-government material, a crime punishable under local law.
Key Details of the Detention
- Cause: The detainees were accused of crafting signs that the Cuban government termed “subversive” and harmful to state security.
- Involvement: The Ministry of the Interior stated that the detainees acknowledged their role and claimed they were commissioned to produce the materials, expecting payment of $1,000 to $1,500 each.
- Context: The arrests occurred following reported efforts at infiltrating the island and amid heightened security against actions targeting the socialist state.
- Release: As of April 25, 2026, Cuba has released three of the Panamanian citizens held.
Panama will Maintain Diplomatic Efforts
In a statement, the Panamanian Foreign Ministry emphasized that this decision to release the 3 women was made by Cuban authorities “as a gesture of humanity and friendship towards Panama, also valuing the cooperation provided by the detainees during the process.” The Government of Panama expresses its sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, as well as to all the Cuban authorities who, understanding the exceptional circumstances of these detentions, have made this outcome possible.
The seven Panamanians remaining in Cuba accused of propaganda against the island’s government “are in appropriate conditions,” said Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, on Friday, adding that he plans to travel to Havana to discuss the case with Cuban authorities. The Government of Panama also recognizes the outstanding work of Panama’s ambassador to Cuba, Edwin Pitty, who has demonstrated exemplary commitment by providing constant attention to the 10 detainees, accompanying them and ensuring their rights from the very beginning. “Panama reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of its citizens abroad and will continue to undertake all necessary diplomatic efforts to ensure the well-being and prompt resolution of the situation of Panamanians who remain in Cuban territory,” it emphasizes.
