From our Bureau of Socialist Tolerance, Compassion, and Social Justice with some assistance from our Bureau of Tropical Gulags
Madrid-based NGO Prisoners Defenders has released an update on the many inhumane horrors endured by Castro, Inc.’s political prisoners. Not much has changed since Castro, Inc. began to jail, torture, and execute all of its perceived enemies. It has always been a barbaric and sadistic jailer, totally devoid of compassion. Yet, this very same regime has repeatedly served as a prominent member of the UN’s human rights committee. Lord have mercy.
Loosely translated from Marti Noticias
Prisoners Defenders has reported the dire situation faced by over a thousand Cuban prisoners of both sexes, including minors, who are incarcerated on the island for political reasons.
The number of political prisoners in Cuba remained at 1,105 in September. According to the organization’s monthly report, these prisoners endure horrific conditions, lacking adequate food and medical care, and suffering from torture.
The report highlights that at least 62 of these political prisoners have been clinically diagnosed with mental health disorders, but they are not receiving any medical treatment. Prisoners also suffer from severe malnutrition, with most having a body mass index 18.5 or below, which is significantly under World Health Organization standards, indicating inadequate nutrition.
Additionally, prisoners with serious health conditions, including cancer, cerebral ischemia, diabetes, hepatitis B, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and HIV, are not provided with medication or medical follow-up, according to the report.
The report also denounces the abuse and torture of 177 women imprisoned for peacefully protesting on July 11 and 12, 2021. These women face discriminatory and abusive treatment, including physical and psychological violence and medical neglect, which impacts their physical and emotional well-being.
Among the women subjected to abuse by authorities, the report highlights the cases of Lizandra Góngora and María Cristina Garrido.
In a video, Prisoners Defenders paid tribute to incarcerated opposition leaders José Daniel Ferrer, rapper Maikel Castillo Pérez “El Osorbo”, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Félix Navarro Rodríguez, and Saylí Navarro Álvarez.
Regarding minors imprisoned for political reasons, the report notes that “29 boys and 1 girl, a total of 30 minors,” remain on the list, with 28 still serving sentences and 2 facing legal proceedings without judicial oversight.
“In its latest report to the United Nations, the Cuban regime acknowledged the accuracy of our figures regarding the imprisoned minors,” the organization stated.