The Cuban Enoldys Castellano Pagán, a 36-year-old inmate at the Boniato prison in Santiago de Cuba, died on Monday after not receiving timely medical attention, according to reports from health workers.
Local reporter Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported on his popular Facebook page that Castellano was transferred to Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital after several days of complaining about severe discomfort in prison, but it was already too late.
Hospital workers reported that upon arrival, the inmate showed symptoms that raised suspicion of possible tuberculosis.
Although the medical team recommended his hospitalization, the prison guards decided to take him back to Boniato, signing a document in which they assumed all responsibility in case of complications.
Hours later, Castellano was transferred back to the hospital, where he passed away around 1:00 AM.
According to people close to the victim, he suffered from hypertension and had undergone open-heart surgery years ago, which required special care.
After his passing, the family was notified at 5:00 AM, following the autopsy.
The reporter states that the family and friends of the young man accuse the authorities of "police negligence" and demand an investigation into those responsible for not attending to the inmate's serious health condition in a timely manner.
The NGO Cubalex reported a few weeks ago that 56 people died in custody in Cuba between January 2022 and January 2024.
According to the report, 36 of these deaths occurred in prisons, nine in police stations, and 11 during military service.
The organization states that many of these deaths were due to negligence, violence, and a lack of adequate medical care.
Cubalex emphasizes that deaths in custody highlight "a systematic pattern of human rights violations and the lack of accountability by the Cuban state."
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