Panama’s top diplomat met with ten detained Panamanian nationals in Havana this week. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha confirmed the visit occurred during his official trip to Cuba, which began on March 25, 2026.
The citizens have been held by Cuban authorities since late February. They face accusations of committing crimes against the nation’s Constitutional order, charges that could carry prison sentences of up to eight years.
Minister Confirms Humanitarian Treatment
Martínez-Acha held extensive talks with the detainees. He assessed their health and verified they are receiving humanitarian treatment and proper legal assistance, according to official sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
“The minister promised to meet with their families back in Panama,” a ministry statement read. [Translated from Spanish] He also conveyed a message of support from President José Raúl Mulino, emphasizing the government’s commitment to finding a solution while respecting Cuban laws.
This high-level intervention underscores the case’s sensitivity. Panama’s diplomatic engagement seeks to navigate Cuba’s domestic legal system.
Diplomatic Meetings Amid Legal Uncertainty
Parallel to the prison visit, Minister Martínez-Acha conducted scheduled diplomatic meetings. He held high-level talks with his Cuban counterpart, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
The Panamanian foreign minister was also received by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Their discussions covered regional topics, multilateralism, and international law. Díaz-Canel thanked Panama for its collaboration and raised potential cooperation in medicine and biotechnology.
“The foreign minister thanked the Cuban president for the treatment offered to the Panamanians detained in Havana,” an official readout confirmed. [Translated from Spanish]
Panama’s Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Hoyos addressed the case’s complexity separately. He acknowledged it is not a diplomatic issue but a matter of Cuban internal law. Hoyos expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution but offered no guarantees.
The detained individuals are Víctor Manuel Pinzón Cedeño, Evelyn Edith Castro, Anthony Williams, Jules Pérez, Omar Gilberto Urriola Vergara, Maykol Jesús Pérez Almendra, Adalberto Antonio Navarro Asprilla, Abigail Sthefany Gudiño Castro, Patrochiny Jerodany Joseph Arisarena, and José Luis Aguirre Baruco.
This incident occurs as Panama’s government, under President Mulino, actively addresses international consular cases. The administration has recently been vocal about other foreign policy matters, including efforts led by javier martinez-Acha to revise Panama’s standing with the European Union. It also continues robust security operations as part of its border management strategy.
The Foreign Ministry has consistently urged Cuban authorities to respect all procedural guarantees for the detainees. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the Cuban legal process unfolds.