The political prisoner of 11J Sissi Abascal Zamora is facing serious health issues in the La Bellotex women's prison in Matanzas.
The Lady in White is suffering from Bartholin gland inflammation, which occurs when the ducts of these glands become obstructed, leading to fluid accumulation and potentially the formation of a cyst or abscess in the vaginal area, her mother, the fellow Lady in White Annia Zamora, reported to Martí Noticias.
"There are no hygienic conditions there; one should consider taking anti-inflammatories, among other things," he added.
Additionally, Sissi has been experiencing pain from a cyst on one of her ovaries for months, a condition for which she also has no medical attention.
The 27-year-old woman was scheduled to undergo surgery last Tuesday, but the prison health staff reported on Thursday that the procedure was postponed
"The prison doctor informs her that no, not yet, that she has to speak with her professor so that her professor can plan when it suits them—whether it's the doctor, the professor, state security, Miguel Díaz-Canel, or whoever else, the director of the prison, I don't know, whoever feels like it—to take Sissi to the clinic to undergo surgery," her mother reported.
"Sissi is suffering from that, swollen, infected, in pain, without any hygienic conditions of any kind, with the few pills that I can bring her, because they don't give her anything there either," she lamented.
In addition, neglect includes dental services.
The political prisoner "was experiencing severe tooth pain and inflammation, and they denied her medical attention. The prison administration has not given authorization to take her to the clinic," said Zamora.
"I hold Díaz-Canel, the State Security, Marta Cristina Hernández Bacallao, the director of the prison, and the doctor of the prison responsible for my daughter's life," she added.
In June of last year, the authorities of the La Bellotex prison denied parole to the lady in white and prisoner from 11J.
The decision is part of "a policy of systematic punishment for their stance of resistance within the prison," reported the NGO Cubalex.
Zamora stated at that time that the denial was justified by an alleged "negative behavior."
"The reason? Sissi refuses to participate in political activities, study, or work as a form of protest against being unjustly imprisoned," he specified.
Last January, Abascal was denied any reduction of penalty, maintaining his status as a “negative prisoner” within the prison.
“They are only supplying water at night, that's it, so they have to bathe with dirty and freezing water,” his mother reported, who also raised concerns about the inhumane conditions of confinement that include cold, hunger, and extreme restrictions.
Sissi Abascal received a sentence of 6 years of imprisonment for the crimes of contempt, assault, and public disorder.
She was arrested alongside the opposition figure Saily Navarro following their participation in the protests on July 11, 2021, in Carlos Rojas, Matanzas, where they demanded democratic changes and the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation of Sissi Abascal and political prisoners in Cuba
What is the health status of Sissi Abascal in the Matanzas prison?
Sissi Abascal Zamora is facing serious health issues, such as bartolinitis and inflammation of an ovarian cyst, without receiving adequate medical care in the La Bellotex women's prison in Matanzas. Her mother reports a lack of hygienic conditions and the absence of medical treatment, which worsens her situation.
Why has Sissi Abascal's surgery been postponed?
The operation of Sissi Abascal was postponed by the prison medical staff, without a clear reason. The doctor at the prison indicated that she needs to plan with her teacher and other officials, reflecting the lack of priority given to her health care.
What conditions does Sissi Abascal face in prison?
The conditions of detention for Sissi Abascal are inhumane, including a lack of water, cold, hunger, and extreme restrictions. The prison denies penitentiary benefits and keeps Sissi in a status of "negative prisoner" due to her political resistance.
What is the context of the repression against political prisoners in Cuba?
The Cuban regime imposes a systematic punishment on political prisoners who protest against the government, denying them medical care and prison benefits. Cases like that of Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, who suffers from cancer without proper treatment, reflect the serious human rights situation in Cuban prisons.
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