This Sunday, the death of Maikel Herrera Bones was confirmed, a renowned activist and political opponent who dedicated part of his life to the defense of human rights on the Island.
Since 2012, Herrera had been living with HIV, which significantly deteriorated his health in the last few months. According to reports and complaints made by the affected individual himself, his condition worsened due to a lack of proper medical attention, which he attributed to his political stance.
In November 2024, independent media reported that, despite his critical condition, he was not provided with the necessary treatment, and efforts to obtain a humanitarian visa that would allow him to receive care abroad were unsuccessful.
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Herrera was a member of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and a promoter of the initiative Cuba Decide. His activism led to him being arrested multiple times and facing persecution from the authorities.
In 2019, he led a protest against police corruption, and in 2020, he was arrested for demonstrating against a power outage in his community.
During his imprisonment, he went on hunger strikes to denounce the injustices and the lack of medical attention, which further worsened his health.
The death of Maikel Herrera has sparked numerous reactions both inside and outside of Cuba. International organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have previously acknowledged his bravery in confronting government repression.
Friends and colleagues describe him as a passionate man committed to the values of freedom and human dignity. "The death of this warrior sends a clear message that those who stand against the macabre Communist System do not die merely from any illness, but from Medical Neglect," stated independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
While the deceased's cousin, Yoel Parsons Bones, stated that he will pay tribute to him in every thought. "You have been my pride since the day I met you. I will love you until the end of my days," he remarked.
The platform Cuba Decide, of which Maikel was a part, also expressed its sorrow over the activist's death and recalled that "this brave young Cuban dedicated his youth to the cause of human rights."
A week ago, another member of UNPACU and proponent of Cuba Decide, Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas, died in a prison in Havana, believed to be a victim of murder.
Guillén Esplugas was a Cuban political prisoner serving a six-year sentence for his involvement in the protests on July 11th.
In statements to Martí Noticias, his mother, Dania María Esplugas Falcó, denied the official version that attributed the death of the 30-year-old to suicide, accusing the prison authorities of murdering him, covering up the crime, and lying to his family.
According to his mother, at the time of his death, Guillén Esplugas was in a punishment cell, allegedly for attempting to escape from prison.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maikel Herrera and the Human Rights Situation in Cuba
Who was Maikel Herrera and why is his passing significant?
Maikel Herrera was a Cuban activist and political dissident who dedicated his life to advocating for human rights in Cuba. His passing has sparked numerous reactions due to his commitment to freedom and human dignity, as well as the reports regarding the lack of adequate medical care related to his political stance.
How did the lack of medical attention affect Maikel Herrera?
The lack of adequate medical attention worsened the health of Maikel Herrera, who had been living with HIV since 2012. Despite his critical condition, he did not receive the necessary treatment, which is attributed to his status as a political dissident. Efforts to obtain a humanitarian visa that would allow him to receive medical care abroad were unsuccessful.
Which organizations have reacted to the passing of Maikel Herrera?
International organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have recognized Maikel Herrera's bravery in confronting government repression in Cuba. These organizations have highlighted his courage and commitment to human rights, expressing their sorrow at his passing.
What role did Maikel Herrera play in the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and Cuba Decide?
Maikel Herrera was an active member of UNPACU and a promoter of Cuba Decide, organizations that fight for democracy and human rights in Cuba. His activism led him to face arrests and persecution by the authorities, and his involvement in these organizations made him a prominent opponent of the Cuban regime.
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