The political prisoner Jorge Bello Domínguez has been without diabetes and hypertension medication for two months in the maximum-security prison of Guanajay, province of Artemisa.
“[He/She] told me that [he/she] still hasn't received the insulin,” denounced Martí Noticias Martha Domínguez, mother of the political prisoner.
"It's been two months since he has been without medication since they took him to that prison from the Combinado," he added.
The independent journalist needs that medication at least twice a day, as well as his blood pressure pills.
The mother of the prisoner from July 11 is "very worried" about her son's situation, as he suffered from angina while in the Combinado and did not receive treatment.
"The little medicine we can get is by buying it through our efforts on the street," said the woman.
Domínguez also reported on the poor nutrition in the prison: “They pick at yam with a little bit of water, and that is what they are giving to the inmates.”
"He is a sick man who requires food and medication that do not exist... Most political prisoners are experiencing terrible conditions there," he added.
In March, after reporting the poor conditions at the Combinado del Este, the promoter of Cuba Decide was transferred to the Guanajay prison.
The 48-year-old activist is serving a 15-year sentence for ongoing sabotage, theft with force, public disorder, and contempt, due to his involvement in the events of July 11, 2021, in Güira de Melena.
Irregularities in the trial
Bello was convicted in a trial full of irregularities, where the court only paid attention to the witnesses presented by the Military Prosecutor's Office of Artemisa.
During the trial, Bello questioned the statements of Major Arisdelbis Pupo Amaro, who was unable to specify the exact time and place of the alleged contempt by the journalist.
Yuleydi López González, the reporter's wife, stated that the authorities never took into account the presumed innocence of her husband and the other demonstrators who were judged on April 8 for protesting in the town of Güira de Melena, Artemisa province.
According to López González, another officer questioned Pupo Amaro's testimony regarding his involvement in the events; however, those statements were not recorded in the official court documents.
Bello Domínguez’s wife added that the court had already established the sentence from the outset, based on the testimony of Freddy Luis Díaz García, another accused who lied about the actions of the independent journalist. Díaz García will receive a shorter prison sentence due to his cooperation with State Security.
In addition, he noted that, in the ruling itself, the judges and prosecutors acknowledged the lack of physical evidence to impose a conviction on the reporter and yet decided to impose an arbitrary penalty based solely on weak and questionable testimonies.
"Enough with the lies; no one paid Jorge Bello Domínguez or initiated the demonstration," added López González, who also criticized the authorities for overlooking the behavior of Díaz García, the true instigator and promoter of the violent acts and the theft at La Imprenta, a store in Convertible Currency.
She also explained that the residents of Güira de Melena do not agree with the severity with which her husband was judged. According to State Security, they had expressed negative opinions about the independent journalist, which was similarly disproven during the criminal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
What health problems is Jorge Bello Domínguez facing in prison?
Jorge Bello Domínguez has gone two months without receiving essential medications to manage his diabetes and hypertension in the Guanajay prison. His medical condition requires insulin and blood pressure pills daily, but he has not had access to these treatments, which puts his health in serious jeopardy.
Why was Jorge Bello Domínguez convicted?
Jorge Bello Domínguez was sentenced to 15 years in prison for charges of continued sabotage, burglary, public disorder, and contempt, related to his participation in the protests of July 11, 2021, in Güira de Melena. The trial was rife with irregularities, where the defense's statements were ignored and it was mainly based on testimonies of questionable strength provided by the Military Prosecutor's Office.
What are the food conditions like in Guanajay prison?
The food in Guanajay prison is inadequate, according to complaints from the mother of Jorge Bello Domínguez. Inmates receive meager meals, such as yams with water, which fail to meet the nutritional needs of the prisoners, especially for those with medical conditions like Bello.
What other situations do the political prisoners from 11J in Cuba face?
In addition to Jorge Bello Domínguez, other political prisoners from the 11J, such as Alexander Díaz Rodríguez and Dixan Gaínza Moré, are facing critical situations. The lack of proper medical attention is a constant issue, and many suffer from serious illnesses without receiving treatment. The prison conditions are harsh, with outbreaks of diseases and widespread medical neglect, leading to deaths and the deterioration of health among numerous inmates.
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