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Daniel Cuesta Velázquez, a young recruit who had been missing in Havana since Sunday, when he left his home heading to a unit where he serves in the Military Service, has now been located.
"Daniel has appeared; his father says he is on his way home, thank God", briefly updated the activist known on social media as "Asere Backagain," who -as is common in these cases- did not provide any further details about where the young man was or the circumstances under which he regained contact with his family.
Previously, the young man's father, Elieser Cuesta, had desperately turned to social media to alert others about Daniel's disappearance.
The young man resides in the Las Brisas neighborhood, in the Cotorro municipality, and is serving in the Military Service in a unit in El Cacahual, between Managua and Santiago de las Vegas
According to the previous testimony of the young man's father, Daniel never arrived at the military unit, as he was informed this Tuesday.
“Today I was informed that he did not show up since Monday when he was supposed to be there,” stated Elieser Cuesta.
Military Service, a heavy burden for young Cubans
In recent months, there have been reports of several disappearances of young recruits from the Active Military Service, which is mandatory in Cuba for males starting at the age of 17. In almost all cases, they tend to reappear after a few days, safe and sound.
Military service has been mandatory in Cuba since June 1963, and this requirement was reaffirmed following the approval of the Constitution in 1976, which established the laws that govern it.
The requirement was enshrined in the 2019 Constitution, which prohibited claiming conscientious objection to avoid compliance. Those who assert, for instance, that bearing arms is incompatible with their religion are prosecuted. The Military Criminal Code is clear and establishes penalties of up to five years in prison for those who evade Active Military Service (SMA).
Despite a diplomat from Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) stating at the UN in May 2022 that recruitment is "voluntary," the mandatory nature of military service is indisputable.
Although it has been systematically criticized by Cubans, the recruitment did not stop even during the coronavirus pandemic, which was severely condemned by the public.
The country is currently on edge due to the "disappearance" of nine recruits who were victims of explosions that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at an ammunition depot in the province of Holguín.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Military Service in Cuba and the Disappearance of Young Recruits
What happened to Daniel Cuesta Velázquez, the young recruit missing in Havana?
Daniel Cuesta Velázquez, a young recruit who had been missing since Sunday, has been located and is on his way home, according to his father. This case highlights the issues surrounding Mandatory Military Service in Cuba, where various disappearances of young recruits have been reported.
Why is Military Service mandatory in Cuba?
Military Service has been mandatory in Cuba since 1963 and was reaffirmed in the 1976 Constitution. The 2019 Constitution prohibits claiming conscientious objection to evade service, with penalties of up to five years in prison for those who do not comply. Despite constant criticism, recruitment remains an unavoidable reality for young Cubans.
What is the situation of young people during Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
Young people face precarious living conditions, mistreatment, and, in some cases, extreme situations that have led to suicides or deaths. The case of Nesky Gabriel Escalona Ortíz, found dead after being reported missing, illustrates the dangers that recruits face in the Cuban military service.
How do the disappearances of recruits affect Cuban families?
The disappearances of recruits generate a deep anguish and desperation among families, who often turn to social media for help. The lack of effective response from the authorities increases the suffering and uncertainty of the relatives, who are faced with an emotionally and economically devastating situation.
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