There were a number of incidents targeting Christians in September and October 2020:
- September 2020: Security agents have interrogated 70 Christians for signing a letter dated 4 September addressed to their Catholic bishops, as reported by Babalublog on 24 September 2020. The letter requested the leaders of the Catholic Church to demand the release of humanitarian aid sent from Miami and currently withheld by the Cuban regime. (La Hora de Cuba, 21 September 2020)
- 28 September 2020: ADN Cuba reported that an officer of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) attempted to disrupt a church service but was unsuccessful. Apparently, the interruption was related to COVID-19 restrictions but Christians in the country are convinced that such actions are all part of the authorities" attempts to suppress Christian activities.
- 2 October 2020: In an interview with the news platform Periƒ³dico Cubano, Pastor Yoel Demetrio in Las Tunas accused the government of continually hindering his fight for religious freedom. During the COVID-19 crisis, he has been arrested on at least four separate occasions. His family has been forced to sleep at quarters belonging to the Missionary Church where unknown persons regularly throw stones against the building.‚
Rossana Ramirez, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "Cuba is internationally known for its limited human rights and in particular for its restrictions on the right to religious freedom. Especially during the COVID-19 crisis, repression has continued for Christians known to oppose the regime. But even Christians who, without directly criticizing the authorities, endorse Christian leaders" demands concerning humanitarian assistance for those in need, are considered accomplices and face monitoring and intimidation. These actions are aimed at destabilizing the influence of the Church in the country."
