The human rights organization Cubalex issued a serious alert regarding the situation of the political prisoner Alejandro Morales Pereira, detained since February for peacefully protesting in the streets of Encrucijada, Villa Clara.
The young man had gone out to report on the arrests related to the popular protests that took place last November due to power outages.
According to information from Cubalex on Facebook, on June 20, Morales Pereira attempted to commit suicide in his cell, driven to despair by the constant physical and psychological abuse inflicted upon him by the authorities of La Pendiente prison in Santa Clara.
The report details that the activist was handcuffed inside his cell and brutally beaten by the guards, who demanded that he shout "Homeland or death," to which he firmly replied, "Homeland and freedom."
After the beating, her body was covered in bruises.
Cubalex also reported that Alejandro suffers from mental health disorders and that his condition is incompatible with the prison regime.
Despite this, the authorities ignore her medical situation and have not provided her with the specialized care she needs.
A violent arrest for exercising the right to protest
On February 19, Morales was violently arrested while live streaming a peaceful protest outside the Communist Party headquarters in Encrucijada, where he demanded the release of young people detained for speaking out against blackouts.
During the broadcast, he was seen confronting a Party official: "Why are the young people from Encrucijada still in jail? Answer me, don’t turn away," he said.
He then continued walking through the streets shouting slogans in favor of Cuban freedom and political prisoners. Minutes later, he was intercepted by the police.
The video, widely shared on social media, showed his determination and awareness of the consequences: "Share it, it's enough of being afraid," he stated before being arrested.
"The whole world is watching you," he warned the officer who arrested him. "What do I care?" was the response of the oppressor.
"Alejandro's life is in danger."
His family is deeply concerned. Alejandro suffers from mental health disorders, and the authorities are ignoring his condition, which is incompatible with the prison system.
They do not guarantee the specialized medical care you need either.
"Alejandro's life is at risk. The authorities are responsible for his physical and mental integrity," emphasized Cubalex.
The organization urged the international community and human rights organizations to pressure the Cuban regime to put an end to the mistreatment and ensure medical assistance for Morales Pereira.
"We alert about the inhumane conditions of confinement and the acts of torture that Alejandro is being subjected to," emphasizes the post.
"Protesting is not a crime," concludes the message, reiterating that the activist was imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of expression and demanding justice for other political prisoners.
So far, Cuban authorities have not made any statements regarding the complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
What is Alejandro Morales Pereira's current situation in prison?
Alejandro Morales Pereira is being subjected to physical and psychological abuse in La Pendiente prison in Santa Clara. According to the human rights organization Cubalex, Morales Pereira, who suffers from mental health disorders, does not receive the necessary medical attention and his life is at risk. He attempted suicide due to the mistreatment he faces.
Why was Alejandro Morales Pereira arrested?
Alejandro Morales Pereira was arrested for peacefully protesting in front of the Communist Party headquarters in Encrucijada. During his protest, he demanded the release of young people who were detained for demonstrating against blackouts and was violently arrested by the Cuban authorities.
What do human rights organizations demand in the case of Alejandro Morales Pereira?
Organizations like Cubalex demand an end to the mistreatment and medical assistance for Alejandro Morales Pereira. They also call on the international community to pressure the Cuban regime to ensure the human rights of Morales Pereira and other political prisoners.
How has the international community reacted to these cases of repression in Cuba?
The international community has been alerted by organizations such as Cubalex about cases of repression in Cuba. Human rights organizations have been urged to intervene and to pressure for the respect of the rights of peaceful protesters and the release of political prisoners.
Filed under: