The 24-year-old political prisoner Duannis Dabel León Taboada, after more than nine days of hunger strike, was transferred to the hospital of the Combinado del Este prison.
As reported this Saturday by the group Las Taniadas on Facebook, a guard in a threatening posture with a baseball bat in hand shouted at him several times: ‘you need to stand down’”
"It is impossible for us to know Duannis's health status; we can infer that after nearly completing his ninth day without food, his life is in imminent danger," the post reads.
Next Monday, Duannis will be visited by a priest and will receive religious assistance, they clarified.
"The officer Ariel from section 21 of the SE called Jenni M Taboada to inform her that exams were conducted on Duannis and everything is fine and normal. Additionally, he communicated that the dynamic will take place on Monday or Tuesday and to expect a call. Given the behavior of the penitentiary authorities and the SE, we have absolutely no trust in the truthfulness of their words," the post reads.
Last Thursday, Jenni Taboada, her mother, stated that she was standing in front of the Combinado del Este prison in Havana, after being denied access to visit her son.
Duannis, 24 years old, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for participating in the anti-government protests on July 11, 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 anything in this world. He is unjustly imprisoned," Taboada stated. The woman pleaded to be allowed to try to convince her son to end the hunger strike: "Let me try to save my son," she begged.
In statements released by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH), Jenni recounted through sobs 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.”
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Duannis Dabel León Taboada
Why is Duannis Dabel León Taboada in prison?
Duannis Dabel León Taboada is in prison serving a 14-year sentence for participating in the anti-government protests on July 11, 2021. He was initially accused of sedition and damaging a police patrol car, although his family maintains that he was merely exercising his right to peaceful assembly.
What is Duannis' current health status?
The health condition of Duannis is critical as he has been on hunger strike for more than nine days. His life is in imminent danger due to pre-existing kidney problems, which increases the life-threatening risks associated with prolonged lack of nourishment. He has not received adequate medical attention, despite his fragile situation.
What actions has Duannis's mother taken to help him?
Jenni Taboada, the mother of Duannis, has declared that she is standing in front of the Combinado del Este prison in Havana, demanding a personal meeting with her son. She has publicly requested to be allowed to try to persuade her son to end the hunger strike and has held the Cuban state responsible for her son's safety.
What organizations have been involved in the Duannis case?
The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) and other human rights organizations have raised alarms about Duannis's case. These organizations have denounced the unfair treatment and lack of medical attention that Duannis is facing in prison, demanding justice and the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
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