Cuban Pastor Detained Following Canceled Prayer Event in Camagüey

Pastor Maikel Pupo Velázquez of the unregistered Sacred Blessing Word of Fire Church has been held by Cuban authorities since September 26. The arrest occurred after the pastor attempted to inform potential attendees that a planned public prayer gathering at the Cándido González Morales Stadium in Camagüey had been prohibited by police. According to reports from Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Voice of the Martyrs Canada, the pastor canceled the event to avoid conflict but was taken into custody on charges of “disobedience” while ensuring no worshippers gathered at the site.

Following his arrest, the pastor was reportedly held incommunicado for nine days before being moved to La Cerámica Roja prison. His wife, Pastor Anisley Ortiz, has publicly called for his release, noting the personal hardship caused by his detention while their daughter receives cardiac medical care. Advocacy groups are calling for the charges to be dropped, highlighting that the pastor was attempting to comply with government orders. This incident follows a previous detention in July 2025, when the pastor was held after providing aid to the families of political prisoners.