Jenni Taboada, mother of the Cuban political prisoner Duannis Dabel León Taboada, declared herself on a hunger strike this Thursday in front of the Combinado del Este prison in Havana, after being denied access to visit her son, who has been on hunger strike for over a week.
"I declare that I am holding a sit-in outside the Combinado del Este penitentiary until I am allowed to have a personal meeting with my son," the mother expressed during a live broadcast on social media.
Duannis, 24 years old, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for participating in the anti-government protests on July 11 in 2021. According to his mother, he is extremely weak, has not received medical attention, and has been on a hunger strike since July 10 as a form of protest against his prison conditions.
"His life is more important than everything in this world. He is imprisoned unjustly," Taboada stated. The woman requested to be allowed to try to convince her son to end the hunger strike: "Let me try to save my son," she pleaded.
In statements released by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH), Jenni tearfully recounted the anguish she is experiencing: “My little boy is good, they are holding him hostage. They won’t let me see him, they won’t let me do anything.”
The mother claims that she found out about the start of the hunger strike three days later, and since then, the authorities have only provided her with evasive responses.
The medical situation of Duannis is considered critical. Organizations such as the OCDH and the Cultural Rights Observatory have warned that she suffers from pre-existing kidney issues, which heighten the life-threatening risk due to prolonged food deprivation.
The sedition sentence against him was initially 21 years and later reduced to 14 after a cassation process. He was accused of alleged damage to a police patrol, although his family claims that he was merely exercising his right to peaceful protest.
The mother has held the Cuban State responsible for her son's safety. The case of Duannis León Taboada represents, for many Cubans, the face of a youth that raised their voice against the regime and ended up behind bars. And of a mother who, despite the pain and fear, continues to fight for her son's freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Who is Duannis Dabel León Taboada and why is he in prison?
Duannis Dabel León Taboada is a Cuban political prisoner imprisoned for participating in the protests on July 11, 2021. He was initially sentenced to 21 years in prison for sedition, but his sentence was reduced to 14 years after an appeal. His case has gained notoriety due to his hunger strike in protest of the conditions of his imprisonment.
Why is Duannis León Taboada on a hunger strike?
Duannis León Taboada has started a hunger strike in the Combinado del Este as a form of protest against his prison situation, demanding his freedom in light of what he considers an unjust conviction. Furthermore, his health is critical due to prior kidney issues that are exacerbated by lack of nutrition.
What is the health condition of Duannis León Taboada during his hunger strike?
The health situation of Duannis León Taboada is critical, as he suffers from prior kidney problems that make him extremely vulnerable to the effects of his prolonged hunger strike. Despite his serious condition, he has not received adequate medical attention, which increases the risk to his life.
What actions has Duannis's mother taken to help her son?
Jenni Taboada, mother of Duannis, has staged a protest outside the prison to demand a meeting with her son and try to persuade him to end his hunger strike. She has held the Cuban state responsible for her son's well-being and has requested international assistance to apply pressure for his release.
What is the stance of human rights organizations on the Duannis case?
Human rights organizations such as the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights have expressed their concern for Duannis's health and have denounced the lack of adequate medical care. These organizations have urged the Cuban regime to ensure his well-being and have described his sentencing as an example of political repression on the island.
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