The activist Alfredo González, father of Annier González, a young man who died while serving his Mandatory Military Service (SMO), has publicly denounced the abuses his son suffered during the “preparation” phase at the Provincial School of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Matanzas.
In an emotional message posted on Facebook, González shared details about the systematic abuse Annier was subjected to. In his testimony, he explains how, in just 10 days, the young man fell victim to physical punishment, verbal humiliation, and a hostile environment from both officials and peers.
“For yawning during training, they forced him to run for over 30 minutes; for laughing when a boy fell out of bed, they made him do push-ups in a place filled with water; and when he looked for a guava in the dormitory, he was also punished with physical exercises,” his father recounted.
The young man was also forced to crawl through the mud, denied medical attention for his injuries, and subjected to constant humiliation with phrases like "I don't want sluts in the infirmary," used by the officers when addressing the recruits.
One of the most concerning revelations from the father was that his son, overwhelmed by harassment, expressed intentions to take retaliatory action during a shooting practice, which instilled fear among his peers. Shortly after, Annier took his own life.
"My son had to die for it to stop happening."
The activist reported that, despite the supposed changes in the Armed Forces, these abusive practices continue to occur. "They say that it doesn't happen anymore, but my son had to die for it to stop," he lamented.
In July, Alfredo González was arrested in Matanzas after accusing an officer on social media, whom he claims was one of the direct responsible parties for the mistreatment of his son. Although he was initially charged with contempt and a bail of 5,000 pesos was required, he was ultimately released under precautionary measures.
"They released me with a cautionary measure. At first, they accused me of contempt, and it seemed like they were going to transfer me to the Combinado where I lost my son. Thank you to everyone who supported me," he stated on Facebook.
An activism that is uncomfortable
Since the death of her son in 2021, González has become one of the most prominent voices against Mandatory Military Service in Cuba. Through posts, letters, and videos, she has denounced the abuses and negligence within the Cuban military system, a topic that has historically been silenced on the island.
Their Facebook group, "No More VICTIMS in Military Service in Cuba," has served as a platform for other families who have undergone similar experiences, highlighting a pattern of institutional mistreatment toward young recruits.
Rejection of Military Service in Cuba Grows
This case adds to a wave of reports regarding abuses, accidents, and deaths in the Military Service Obligatory (SMO). Recently, CiberCuba reported on a case that occurred in Guantánamo. In a video, a recruit can be seen with a blue barrel on his head, forced to bear excessive weight under the orders of other soldiers.
Another video, posted from San José, showed a teenager being kicked and forced to do weighted squats, in a clear scene of institutional violence.
These episodes, combined with the tragedy of Annier González, have sparked a debate about the legality, ethics, and necessity of Mandatory Military Service in Cuba, especially in a context where many young people are recruited without proper training, adequate supervision, or protection against abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abuses in Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
What complaints has Alfredo González made about Military Service in Cuba?
Alfredo González has reported that his son Annier suffered physical and psychological abuse during his time in Mandatory Military Service (SMO) in Cuba. According to González, his son was a victim of physical punishment, verbal humiliation, and a hostile environment from both officers and peers. These abuses drove the young man to a state of despair that culminated in his tragic suicide.
What consequences has Alfredo González faced for his allegations?
Alfredo González was arrested in Matanzas after denouncing on social media an officer responsible for the mistreatment of his son. He was charged with contempt and released under precautionary measures after initially being required to post a bail of 5,000 pesos. His activism has been peaceful and focused on legal and institutional avenues, raising concerns over the accusations against him.
How has the Cuban community reacted to the allegations of abuses in Military Service?
The Cuban community has expressed outrage and concern over allegations of abuses in the Mandatory Military Service. Social media has become a platform for highlighting and reporting these cases, with families and activists sharing similar experiences of mistreatment and negligence. The increasing wave of reports has intensified the debate about the legality, ethics, and necessity of Military Service on the island.
Are there other cases of abuse in the Military Service in Cuba?
Yes, there are multiple reports of abuses in the Mandatory Military Service in Cuba. Cases have been documented of young individuals being forced to undergo extreme exercises as punishment, and deaths under suspicious circumstances have been reported due to lack of medical attention and inhumane conditions. These cases have increased the rejection of the M.S. on the island.
Filed under: