A young Cuban, only 18 years old, originally from the community of El Gabriel in the municipality of Quivicán, Mayabeque province, passed away while serving in the Active Military Service at the military unit known as El Lombillo, under circumstances that have sparked a deep wave of outrage and sorrow among family members, neighbors, and activists.
According to reports on social media, the young man —whose name has not been officially disclosed— had expressed severe pain and physical discomfort for days, but the officials in charge did not provide him with proper medical attention.
Even the parents requested to take him home due to the deterioration of his health, but they were not allowed, they claim.
“This young man, almost a child, was complaining and no one listened to him. Today he is dead and being mourned by his parents,” wrote activist Pilar De Cuba on Facebook. “How long will Military Service continue to take innocent lives?” she harshly questioned.
The incident has shocked thousands of Cubans and reignited criticism against Mandatory Military Service in Cuba, especially regarding the precarious conditions, mistreatment, and medical negligence that adolescents and their families frequently report.
“MURDERERS. Mothers, how long are we going to allow them to take our children to those slaughterhouses,” wrote citizen Amy Guillén, clearly affected by the news.
Other testimonies remember the young man as “intelligent, kind, and with a whole life ahead of him,” highlighting the efforts of his mother, a tireless worker who fought to provide him with a dignified future.
"What a tragedy for our people. This child didn't deserve this ending," commented Sandy Jesús Amable Medero.
So far, the military and health authorities have not provided any official report on the causes of death, nor have they made any public statements regarding the matter.
However, the news has sparked strong condemnation on social media, with dozens of messages demanding justice, transparency, and the abolition of Mandatory Military Service on the island.
Images have also been released of the funeral home where the young man is being mourned this Saturday by his family and neighbors in the El Gabriel community, amid an atmosphere of grief and anger.
Several young people have died in recent years during the Mandatory Military Service.
Frequently asked questions about the death of a young Cuban during Mandatory Military Service
What happened to the young Cuban who died while serving in the Mandatory Military Service?
An 18-year-old Cuban youth passed away while serving Active Military Duty at a military unit in Mayabeque, under circumstances that have sparked outrage due to the alleged lack of appropriate medical attention. The young man had reported severe pain and discomfort, but his complaints were ignored by the responsible officers, which ultimately led to his death.
What is the stance of the family members and activists regarding this incident?
Family members, neighbors, and activists have expressed their outrage and sorrow over the young man's death, highlighting the negligence of military officials. The Mandatory Military Service in Cuba has faced serious criticism, pointing out poor conditions, mistreatment, and medical neglect as recurring issues faced by recruits and their families.
What has been the official response to the young man's death?
Until now, the military and health authorities have not provided any official statement regarding the causes of the death. The lack of transparency and official response has heightened outrage on social media, where calls for justice and the abolition of Mandatory Military Service on the island are being made.
What other similar cases have occurred recently in Cuba?
In recent years, there have been multiple reports of young deaths related to military service in Cuba. Recent cases include the suicide of Léster Álvarez and the death of Adrián Rodríguez García, among others, reflecting a pattern of abuse, poor conditions, and a lack of adequate medical attention.
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