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Two Cuban inmates died in Boniato prison, in Santiago de Cuba, allegedly due to extreme malnutrition and neglect, reported human rights organizations.
According to the non-governmental organization Cubalex, inmates Giovanis Ortega and Irai Nieto died on February 1 and 2, respectively, in Detachment No. 2 of the prison, known as the "low-weight floor," where prisoners face conditions of extreme hunger and medical neglect.
Cubalex held the Cuban state responsible for the life and safety of individuals in its custody, indicating that these deaths reflect the regime's negligence and the precariousness of the penitentiary system in the country.
Until now, Cuban authorities have not issued official statements regarding the case. Nonetheless, human rights organizations have reiterated the need for international oversight in the island's detention centers, where conditions of overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of access to medical care have been documented.
Since Cubalex sent their condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, they also demanded answers and immediate actions to improve the conditions in Cuba's prisons.
This case reignites concern about the situation of inmates on the island and brings the humanitarian crisis within Cuban prisons back to the forefront of the debate, particularly in a context marked by several deaths in the island's prisons in recent months.
In December 2024, inmate Frank Morales Cuesta also died in the Boniato prison in Santiago de Cuba. According to statements from his loved ones, the cause of death may be linked to tuberculosis, although they assert that it was malnutrition that ultimately took his life.
That same month, Jorge Luis Torres Vaillant passed away after suffering from severe malnutrition while he was incarcerated in a prison in Santiago de Cuba.
Torres Vaillant, known as "El Trillizo" and from El Salao, spent 28 days seeking medical assistance due to a persistent fever that was never properly treated, close sources reported.
In addition, in November 2024, Inoel Rodríguez Rodríguez, a 27-year-old inmate with schizophrenia, died after being beaten in the Ariza prison, Cienfuegos.
The victim had bruises all over her body, including her legs, head, face, arms, and back, as shown in a video released by the family.
According to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), deaths due to malnutrition increased by 74.42% between 2022 and 2023, rising from 43 to 75 fatalities. This increase reflects the severity of food insecurity on the island, which affects both the general population and inmates in Cuban prisons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deaths and Conditions in Cuban Prisons
Why did the inmates die in the Boniato prison in Santiago de Cuba?
The inmates Giovanis Ortega and Irai Nieto died due to extreme malnutrition and neglect in the Boniato prison, according to reports from the human rights organization Cubalex. This situation reinforces concerns about the deplorable conditions and lack of medical attention in Cuban prisons.
How do Cuban authorities respond to reports of inhumane conditions in prisons?
Until now, the Cuban authorities have not issued official statements regarding the recent deaths and conditions in the prisons. Various human rights organizations have called for international oversight to address the issues of overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of medical care in the Cuban prison system.
What do the reports reveal about the prison conditions in Cuba?
Reports indicate that prisons in Cuba are facing serious problems of malnutrition, lack of medical care, and inhumane conditions. In 2024, over 40 inmate deaths were documented, reflecting the deterioration of the prison situation on the island. These conditions have resulted in numerous deaths and human rights violations.
What actions have human rights organizations taken regarding Cuban prisons?
Organizations like Cubalex have denounced negligence and human rights violations in Cuban prisons, urging the international community to demand reforms and independent oversight. These organizations provide legal advice and highlight cases to pressure the Cuban regime to improve the conditions of detainees.
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