A young Cuban, identified as Léster Álvarez, allegedly took his own life while serving his Mandatory Military Service in the Ariza prison, located in the province of Cienfuegos. The news has caused deep dismay among neighbors and loved ones.
The site Proa del Centro reported that sources close to the family indicated that Léster resided in the Tulipán neighborhood, and had been assigned to the watch posts within the prison facility for four months.
According to the testimony of a neighbor, the young man exhibited a visible and repeated aversion to that task, while a friend described him "almost like a child" and stated that the weapon used to take his own life was his own rifle.
Another source cited by the media stated that the relatives are devastated, without any official answers so far. Neither the Ariza prison nor the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) have issued statements regarding the case.
Another case of a silenced tragedy
This case is not isolated. In recent years, multiple deaths of young Cubans forced to fulfill Military Service have been reported, a practice increasingly questioned due to its environment of abuse, mistreatment, psychological pressure, and extreme conditions, for which many adolescents are unprepared.
Léster Álvarez thus joins a painful list of young people who, barely out of adolescence, are thrust into a militarized and dehumanizing system, where instead of being molded, many end up broken.
Recent cases
In August 2024, Adrián Rodríguez García, 19 years old, passed away while undergoing Mandatory Military Service in Cuba. The young man was hit by a vehicle outside the military unit. The officers allowed him to leave, and a drunk driver, without a driver's license, struck him and instead of assisting him, "left him there."
That same month, the Mandatory Military Service claimed the life of Flavio Raúl Alonso Piedra in the city of Baracoa, Guantánamo. He was found dead in the guard tower where he was stationed as a recruit, just three months short of completing his service in the Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
What problems does the Mandatory Military Service face in Cuba?
The Mandatory Military Service in Cuba presents significant issues due to the inhumane conditions, abuse, and psychological pressure that young recruits face. Recent cases of deaths and suicides among young individuals while serving have highlighted the devastating consequences of this practice. The lack of adequate preparation, mistreatment, and extreme conditions have increasingly raised questions about this militarized system imposed by the Cuban regime.
How does Mandatory Military Service affect Cuban families?
The Mandatory Military Service places significant emotional and financial burdens on Cuban families. Parents and guardians face constant anxiety about the safety of their children and, in some cases, must cope with the loss of their loved ones due to the dangerous conditions of service. Furthermore, the Cuban regime uses the obligation of service as a tool of repression, threatening fines and sanctions against families whose children do not comply with this mandate.
What risks do young people face during Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
Young people in Mandatory Military Service in Cuba face significant risks, including mistreatment, precarious living conditions, and threats to their physical and mental integrity. Cases of deaths and suicides among recruits demonstrate the seriousness of the situation. The lack of adequate medical attention and the abuse of authority by officials exacerbate these risks, leaving many young individuals in situations of extreme vulnerability.
What is the Cuban government's response to the complaints about Mandatory Military Service?
The Cuban government has maintained a persistent silence in response to allegations of inhumane conditions and deaths in the Mandatory Military Service. Although families and activists have demanded investigations and improvements, the authorities have not undertaken significant actions to address the issues. This silence and the lack of official transparency have fueled outrage and discontent among the Cuban population.
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