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In Cuba, where the government mandates compulsory military service for young people, many families face critical situations due to the enforcement of this measure.
This is the case of Sandra Jiménez Cruz, a single mother from Moa, Holguín, who reported in the Facebook group "revolico holguín" how this obligation jeopardizes her already precarious family situation.
Jiménez explained that his oldest son has already completed military service, but now his youngest, who is 19, is being pressured to enlist: “I don’t agree with him going through that because I live alone with him and my mother, who is ill and cannot be left alone.”
During the day, while she works, it is her youngest son who takes care of his grandmother, as the older brother lives independently.
The mother reported that military authorities have threatened to fine her 5,000 pesos if her son does not show up for the medical check-up for military service: “When they impose the fine and I don't pay it, they will take me to jail,” she added, highlighting the economic and emotional burden this situation creates for a family that is already facing serious difficulties.
Furthermore, Jiménez described the precarious conditions in which she lives. In Moa, an area with ongoing water supply issues, she is forced to carry the precious liquid from a well, despite her own health condition.
"I am a single mother and I have a complicated situation with my mom. I hope they don't bother me anymore with threats of taking my son away," she concluded.
This case reflects the devastating impact of mandatory military service on vulnerable families, highlighting a system that, instead of protecting its citizens, subjects them to decisions that further destabilize their daily lives.
Additionally, families often report on social media the abuses and mistreatment that young people endure during mandatory military service, including alarming cases of suicides and deaths under these conditions.
The mother of Nesky Gabriel Escalona Ortíz, a young Cuban who was reported missing while serving in the military and was found dead six days later, confronted the officials during the boy's funeral.
A video shared on Facebook by the user La Tijera shows how, during the burial, the military remained standing under the shade of some trees, far from the family.
"Everyone get lost. I gave him to you alive, and look how you return my son to me, for defending the Revolution," questioned the distressed mother.
"My son was sick, and they didn’t take him to a hospital, not one. (...) I brought it up, and none of them took him to a hospital," she shouted, after the coffin was placed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
Why is compulsory military service a problem for Cuban families?
Mandatory Military Service in Cuba places a significant burden on many families, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Families report that their children are forced to participate in military service, which can disrupt family dynamics. This is the case for Sandra Jiménez Cruz in Holguín, who relies on her youngest son to care for her ill mother.
What consequences do young people face if they refuse to serve in the military in Cuba?
Young people who refuse to serve in the military in Cuba may face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. As reported, Sergio Díaz Suria was incarcerated for refusing to participate in military service, and his case highlights the repression directed at those who reject this obligation imposed by the Cuban government.
What are the risks for young people during Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
Young people fulfilling Mandatory Military Service in Cuba face significant risks, including precarious living conditions, abuse, and in some cases, situations that have led to suicides or fatalities. Cases like that of Nesky Gabriel Escalona Ortiz, who was found dead after being reported missing, highlight the dangers to which recruits are exposed.
What complaints have been made about the treatment of recruits during military service in Cuba?
Reports regarding the treatment of recruits during military service in Cuba include mistreatment, humiliation, and threats, such as being pressured to donate blood. These conditions have forced young individuals into extreme situations, as they are compelled to carry out tasks under harsh and often dangerous conditions.
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