Both brothers were arrested days later and charged with alleged crimes including public disorder, assault and contempt. Their mother Marta said the charges against her sons were fabricated and that they were being punished for peacefully speaking out against the government.

Cuban officials say that many of the protestors arrested were delinquents and "counter revolutionaries." But in their court records, prosecutors note that neither Nadir or Jorge had criminal records and both "were well regarded" in their community. In February, Nadir were found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison and Jorge to eight years.

To date, Cuban prosecutors say they have convicted and sentenced close to 500 people in relation to the protests, in the largest mass trials on the island in decades.

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Both brothers were arrested days later and charged with alleged crimes including public disorder, assault and contempt. Their mother Marta said the charges against her sons were fabricated and that they were being punished for peacefully speaking out against the government.

Cuban officials say that many of the protestors arrested were delinquents and "counter revolutionaries." But in their court records, prosecutors note that neither Nadir or Jorge had criminal records and both "were well regarded" in their community. In February, Nadir were found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison and Jorge to eight years.

To date, Cuban prosecutors say they have convicted and sentenced close to 500 people in relation to the protests, in the largest mass trials on the island in decades.

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