Some countries in the region have cracked down on civil society and have increased arrests of civil society activists. Civil society activists in Cuba and Venezuela in particular are facing increased pressure and arbitrary arrests. In Venezuela, the country is facing serious challenges. With extremely high inflation and increasing citizen insecurity in recent years, tensions between the authorities and reform-minded citizens keep rising. In February and March 2014, police arrested hundreds of people who were protesting soaring prices, shortages of basic products, and consistent abuse by security forces. Although the Cuban government has appeared to bow to international community’s demands of ending civil society intimidation, the Cuban government has maintained tight control over public space. While long-term sentences for political prisoners have lessened to some extent, the government still uses short-term arbitrary arrests, harassment, and threat to stifle fundamental freedoms. Today, Cuba still has more than 70 political prisoners according to independent civil society groups on the island.
María del Carmen Cala Aguilera
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Mar%C3%ADa-del-Carmen-Cala-Aguilera_Damos-En-Blanca-1.jpg)
Cuba
Detained April 2015
Ricardo Pelier Frómeta
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Ricardo-Pelier-Frómeta.jpg)
Cuba
Arrested May 2014
Ronny Navarro
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/LAC-ROnny-Navarro-Vzla-300x194.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained June 28, 2014
Gerardo Carrero
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/LAC-gerardo-carrero-Vzla-300x195.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained May 8, 2014
Rosmit Mantilla
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/FREE.png)
Venezuela
Detained May 2, 2014
Braulio Jatar
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/braulio-jatar_venezuela.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained September 3, 2016
Mario Ronaide Figueroa Diéguez
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DELEGADO-Ronaide-Mario-Figueroa-Dieguez.jpg)
Cuba
Sentenced December 2, 2014
Reinier Rodríguez Mendoza
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Reinier-Rodríguez-Mendoza.jpg)
Cuba
Sentenced August 2015
شارك رينير في عدد من الأنشطة المدنية العامة في هافانا، للمطالبة باحترام أكبر لحقوق الإنسان.
Renzo Prieto
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/LAC-Renzo-Prieto-Vzla-300x219.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained May 10, 2014
Yeimi Varela
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LAC-Yeimi-Varela-e1430166484908.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained May 1, 2014
Antonio Ledezma
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LAC-Antonio-Ledezma-2.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained February 19, 2015
Delson Guarate
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/DELSON-GUARATE_venez.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained May 2, 2014
Yoelkis Rosabal Flores
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Yoelkis-Rosabal-Flores.jpg)
Cuba
Detained May 2014
Jordys Manuel Dosil Fong
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/unpacu-images.jpg)
Cuba
Sentenced August 2015
Daniel Ceballos
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LAC-Daniel-Ceballos2.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained March 19, 2014
Gilberto Sojo
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/LAC-Gilberto-Sojo-Vzla.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained November 26, 2014
Leopoldo Lopez
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LAC-Leopoldo-Lopez-21.jpg)
Venezuela
Detained February 18, 2014
Yon Goicoechea
![](https://www.helpsetthemfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MADRE-YON-GOICOECHEA_venezuela.jpg)