HAVANA (Reuters) – The U.S. Embassy in Havana on Wednesday criticized the trial of two Cuban artist-dissidents as neither “free nor truthful” on social media, fueling a rising standoff over human rights simply weeks after Washington moved to ease sanctions on the island nation.

Activists Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and Maykel Castillo had been awaiting announcement a verdict after standing trial in Havana on Monday and Tuesday. They face seven and 10 years in jail, respectively, for alleged crimes starting from contempt to assault.

The U.S. Embassy mentioned on Twitter (NYSE:) that the trial violated the human rights of Otero Alcantara and Castillo and known as for his or her rapid launch.

“To nobody’s shock, the trial was neither free nor truthful. The regime used trumped up expenses. They’re being persecuted for his or her artwork and opinions,” the U.S. Embassy mentioned.

Neither a gaggle of European diplomats nor international journalists had been licensed to attend this week’s trial. Reuters submitted a request to the Cuban authorities to enter the courthouse however didn’t obtain a response.

A Cuban state-run radio program on Tuesday accused the U.S. Embassy of “politicizing” a standard judicial course of, saying the alleged crimes at problem within the trial had been clearly described in Cuba’s penal code.

“No occupation exonerates anybody from being dropped at trial for against the law. In case you are an artist and also you commit against the law, you need to reply to the regulation,” the radio report mentioned.

Otero Alcantara and Castillo are members of a Havana-based artists collective that spearheaded an uncommon wave of small protests earlier than most left Cuba, alleging repression. Each males additionally appeared within the music video for the Latin Grammy-winning tune Patria y Vida, the unofficial anthem of widespread anti-government protests on the island final July 11.

Cuban state media have known as Castillo and Otero Alcantara’s San Isidro Motion a part of a U.S.-directed “tender coup” try, expenses they deny.

The U.S. Embassy has continued to blast Cuba’s dealing with of trials – and has moved to restrict Cuba’s participation within the upcoming regional Summit of the Americas – even because the administration of President Joe Biden moved to ease sanctions on the island in Could.