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The mother of the Cuban political prisoner Duannis León Taboada, Jenni M. Taboada, reported that she was a victim of sexual assault and mistreatment at the Capri police station in Havana, after responding to a summons issued by the authorities.
Days earlier, Taboada had alerted about the summons through her Facebook profile, expressing her outrage at the regime's harassment.
"Do you have the nerve to give me a citation instead of releasing my son? Do you really think I am afraid of going to jail? Let me tell you, I am ready with my backpack," she wrote, asserting that she would not stop her fight for her son's freedom, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his participation in the protests on July 11, 2021.
According to the complaint published on social media by the profile Las Taniadas, the State Security agents summoned her for a supposed "interview", but the real reason for the summons was her recent meeting with personnel from the United States Embassy in Cuba.
The agents confronted her, calling her a "bad mother" for turning to international bodies in search of justice for her son, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his participation in the protests on July 11, 2021.
Upon hearing those words, Taboada lost his temper and began shouting in the middle of the unit, demanding respect and assuring that he will not stop fighting for his son's freedom.
According to her testimony, several agents held her down violently, breaking her purse, and in the midst of the struggle, the State Security officer identified as Luisito pounced on her, hugged her, and kissed her near the ear, leaving her in a state of repulsion and indignation, they said.
The complaint emphasizes that such acts are intended to photograph her and disseminate the image to sow doubts among other family members of political prisoners and activists, making her appear as a collaborator with the regime.
Taboada, who suffered a cerebral ischemia a few months ago, has been left with high blood pressure following the incident. His loved ones have held the Cuban government responsible for any impact on his health.
According to Prisoners Defenders more than 1,150 people continue to be imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba, seven of whom are new as of February, many of them sentenced to long terms following the events of July 11th.
On the upcoming Friday, January 28, various organizations from the Cuban diaspora and human rights activists have called for a global day of protests to demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
What happened to Jenni M. Taboada at the Capri police station in Havana?
Jenni M. Taboada reported being a victim of sexual assault and mistreatment at the Capri police unit in Havana after responding to a summons issued by the Cuban authorities. During the incident, a State Security officer violently grabbed her and kissed her against her will, leaving her feeling disgusted and enraged.
Why was Jenni M. Taboada summoned by State Security?
The summons to Jenni M. Taboada by the State Security was allegedly due to a recent meeting she had with staff from the United States Embassy in Cuba. This summons was seen as an attempt to intimidate her due to her activism in favor of the freedom of her son, who is a political prisoner convicted for his participation in the protests of July 11, 2021.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
Currently, more than 1,150 people are imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba, according to Prisoners Defenders. Many of these individuals were arrested following the protests on July 11, 2021, and face long sentences in harsh prison conditions.
What actions are being taken to free political prisoners in Cuba?
Various human rights organizations and activists have called for global protest days to demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba. These actions aim to pressure the Cuban regime to release the prisoners and respect human rights on the island.
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