This year, from 21 March, World Poetry Day, until 17 April, PEN International is running a campaign to support #DuannisLeónTaboada, a young Cuban poet imprisoned for speaking out.
Arrested at just 22 years old following the July 2021 protests, he is serving a 14-year prison sentence on politically motivated charges often used to silence dissent.
Even behind bars, Duannis continues to write.
21 March 2026: Cuban poet Duannis Dabel León Taboada is serving a 14-year prison sentence following his participation in the July 2021 protests in Cuba. Arrested at just 22 years old, he was convicted on charges of “sedition,” widely used to punish those who express dissent. He is currently detained at Combinado del Este prison in Havana, where he is allegedly being subjected to violence, inadequate conditions and lack of adequate medical care.
PEN International is deeply concerned about León Taboada’s continued imprisonment, his health, and the risks he faces in detention. We call on the Cuban authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally, and to guarantee his safety, dignity, and access to proper medical care while he remains detained.
