Cuban Political Prisoner Dies in Prison After Alleged Beating by Guards
Cuban Political Prisoner Dies in Notorious Havana Jail, Family Alleges Foul Play
Havana, cuba – Manuel de Jesús Guillén esplugas, a Cuban political prisoner and participant in the July 2021 protests, died saturday at Havana’s Combinado del Este prison, where he was serving a six-year sentence. The news, first reported by the human rights group Justicia 11J, has sparked allegations of foul play from Guillén Esplugas’ family.
Justicia 11J, which spoke with Guillén Esplugas’ mother, confirmed his death. Other sources consulted by the group allege Guillén Esplugas, a promoter of Cuba Decide and member of the Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU), was beaten in a punishment cell after a failed escape attempt.
Yan Franco, Guillén Esplugas’ cousin, shared a video on Facebook detailing the family’s account. He claims official reports state Guillén Esplugas died by suicide, but insists his cousin refused offers to work for state security, leading to a confrontation that ultimately cost him his life. Franco further alleges the mark on Guillén Esplugas’ neck is consistent with a guard’s belt, not a bedsheet as authorities claim.
In April, Guillén Esplugas told the Cuban Prison Documentation Center he was held with common criminals convicted of violent offenses. He described deplorable conditions,including infestations,inadequate food,and the denial of medical care for scabies and other skin ailments.Justicia 11J reports this is the third death of a July 2021 protester in Cuban custody and the 72nd prison death documented by the Cuban Prison Documentation Center as 2023.
A study by the Center revealed that at least 32 inmates died due to negligence or lack of medical attention, while nine committed suicide in Cuban prisons between March 2023 and June 2024.The study, covering 16 months, documented 2,395 incidents of abuse against Cuban prisoners, noting that this number likely underrepresents the true extent of the problem due to limited access to prisons.
The study highlighted 1,805 instances of harassment and repression, including beatings, solitary confinement, torture, and sexual abuse by prison authorities. The Combinado del Este, where Guillén Esplugas died, had the highest number of reported abuses, with 315 cases.
The Cuban Prison Documentation Center emphasized the vulnerability of political prisoners, who face heightened abuse and discrimination due to their beliefs. While all Cuban prisoners suffer from harsh conditions and abuse of power, political prisoners are often targeted more visibly, according to the organization.
Political Prisoner’s Death in cuba Sparks Foul Play Allegations
Havana, Cuba – Questions surround the death of Cuban political prisoner Manuel de Jesús Guillén esplugas, who died Saturday at Havana’s Combinado del Este prison. While authorities claim suicide, Guillén esplugas’ family alleges foul play, citing a history of abuse and intimidation against the activist.
Guillén Esplugas, a participant in the July 2021 protests and member of the Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU), was serving a six-year sentence.His death, reported by human rights group Justicia 11J, has reignited concerns about the treatment of political prisoners in Cuba.
Guillén Esplugas’ cousin,Yan Franco,claims that official reports stating Guillén Esplugas died by suicide are contradicted by marks on his neck consistent with a guard’s belt,not a bedsheet as authorities claim. Franco further alleges his cousin refused to cooperate with state security, leading to a confrontation that resulted in his death.
This incident marks the third death of a july 2021 protester in Cuban custody and the 72nd prison death documented by the Cuban prison Documentation Center in 2023 alone. A recent study by the Center revealed alarming statistics: at least 32 inmates died due to negligence or lack of medical care, while nine committed suicide between March 2023 and June 2024.
The study,covering 16 months,documented 2,395 incidences of abuse against Cuban prisoners,noting this number likely represents a fraction of the actual abuse due to limited access to prisons. The Combinado del Este prison, where Guillén Esplugas died, had the highest number of reported abuses, with 315 cases.
The Cuban Prison Documentation Center emphasizes the vulnerability of political prisoners, who face heightened abuse and discrimination due to their beliefs. While all Cuban prisoners suffer from harsh conditions and abuse of power, political prisoners are frequently enough targeted more visibly, according to the organization.