The young Cuban political prisoner Duannis Dabel León Taboada, 24 years old, was transferred to a punishment cell shortly after ending a hunger strike that he maintained for 12 days at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana.
The report was confirmed on Facebook by his mother, Jenni M. Taboada, who went to visit him after days of pressure outside the prison and received the news of the new punishment with deep indignation.
“Why the hell do they have my son in a punishment cell? I'm fed up, damn it, enough already!” she wrote desperately on social media.
Duannis, sentenced to 14 years in prison for his participation in the protests of July 11, 2021 (11J), decided to end his hunger strike after his family—especially his mother—managed to visit him and persuade him to take care of his health while continuing to demand justice.
“Duannis will live, but continues to demand freedom,” wrote activists from the profile Las Taniadas, who have closely followed his case.
Despite the gesture of dialogue and the serious deterioration in the young man's health after more than 10 days without food, the authorities responded with repression, transferring him to a solitary confinement cell as a disciplinary measure.
During his hunger strike, Duannis was hospitalized in the prison infirmary, in critical condition. According to previous reports, a guard threatened him with a baseball bat, demanding that he end the fast.
The family reported that State Security tried to downplay her health condition, stating over the phone that "the tests were normal," a version that the relatives completely reject.
Jenni Taboada stood days ago in front of the prison, pleading to be able to see her son: “He is unjustly imprisoned. Let me try to save him. His life is more important than anything else in this world.”
The punishment that the political prisoner is now receiving after yielding to maternal pleas has been viewed by activists as a cruel and unfounded retaliation, a common practice in the Cuban penitentiary system against prisoners of conscience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Duannis Dabel León Taboada, Cuban Political Prisoner
Why was Duannis Dabel León Taboada transferred to a punishment cell?
Duannis Dabel León Taboada has been transferred to a punishment cell after ending a 12-day hunger strike in protest of his prison conditions. This disciplinary action is seen by his family and activists as retaliation for his protest and a common practice of the Cuban regime against prisoners of conscience.
What is the sentence for Duannis Dabel León Taboada and why was he arrested?
Duannis Dabel León Taboada was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in the protests on July 11, 2021, known as 11J. He was accused of sedition and damage to a police patrol, although both he and his family maintain that he is innocent and that he merely exercised his right to peaceful protest.
What actions has Duannis's family taken regarding her situation?
The mother of Duannis, Jenni M. Taboada, has been a central figure in the fight for his freedom. She stood in front of the Combinado del Este prison demanding to see her son and has publicly denounced the inhumane conditions of his incarceration. She has also called on the international community to take action in support of political prisoners in Cuba.
How has the international community reacted to the case of Duannis Dabel León Taboada?
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, publicly honored Duannis and her mother for their bravery in the face of repression by the Cuban regime. This statement adds to the reports from human rights organizations warning about the critical conditions of political prisoners in Cuba.
What is the current health status of Duannis Dabel León Taboada?
Duannis Dabel León Taboada suffered a severe decline in health after more than 10 days without food during his hunger strike. Despite official statements downplaying his condition, his family and activists have expressed deep concern for his well-being, especially due to his preexisting medical conditions.
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