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The human rights organization Cubalex reported the death in custody of Alfredo Ulecia Planche, known as "Alfredito", which occurred last Sunday at the provincial prison in Guantánamo.
According to information received from Cubalex, the inmate was serving a 25-year sentence for a common crime and worked in the kitchen of the prison.
Ulecia was accused by another inmate of selling food, and following the allegation, the head of internal order removed him from his position.
In protest, the prisoner ingested psychotropic drugs, which provoked reprisals from the prison authorities.
As punishment, he was subjected to what is known as "mechanical fixation", a method of torture also referred to as "the rack" or "Turkish bed," which involves keeping the detainee bound and immobilized.
During three days, he remained isolated in an unsanitary room of the medical post, without access to food or professional supervision.
Only when another inmate noticed that he was unresponsive and alerted the staff, did they confirm that he had passed away.
Although the family was officially told that he died from an overdose, the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear. The body was returned to his relatives that same day and buried on Monday, September 8.
Cubalex directly held the Cuban state responsible, reminding that it is obligated to ensure humane conditions of detention and to immediately, independently, and transparently investigate any death in custody.
According to the organization, between January 2022 and January 2024, a total of 56 cases of inmate deaths in Cuban prisons have been documented, reflecting a prison crisis marked by violence, malnutrition, disease, neglect, and torture.
The most common cause of deaths, experts from the organization warned, is the denial of medical care, with 21 cases where authorities ignored urgent needs, chronic illnesses, or critical conditions.
Thirteen suicides were also reported, linked to overcrowding, prolonged isolation, and a lack of psychological care.
Other two deaths occurred during hunger strikes as a form of protest, and there were five cases of institutional violence—resulting from beatings, excessive use of force, or negligence during altercations—and three deaths due to workplace accidents, such as electrocutions.
The case of Alfredo Ulecia Planche once again highlights the inhumane conditions in Cuban prisons and the impunity with which the prison authorities operate, in a country where the lack of transparency and accountability turns every death in custody into a state crime.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Human Rights Situation in Cuban Prisons
What happened to Alfredo Ulecia Planche in the Guantánamo prison?
Alfredo Ulecia Planche, known as "Alfredito," died in custody at the Guantánamo prison after being subjected to torture. He was accused of selling food for another inmate, which led to reprisals from prison authorities. In protest, he ingested psychotropic drugs and was punished with "mechanical restraint," a method of torture that left him tied up and immobilized for three days without food or medical care, resulting in his death.
What are the most common causes of death among prisoners in Cuban jails?
The denial of medical care is the most common cause of death among inmates in Cuba. Between January 2022 and January 2024, 21 cases of deaths due to lack of medical attention were documented, in addition to suicides, institutional violence, and deaths during hunger strikes. These events reflect a prison system characterized by negligence, malnutrition, and poor sanitary conditions.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
In August 2025, Cuba recorded a record 1,185 political prisoners. According to Prisoners Defenders, this figure is the highest recorded to date. Many of these prisoners suffer from serious medical conditions and face inhumane treatment in prisons. The numbers reflect a systematic crisis of repression and the use of the penitentiary system as a political tool by the Cuban regime.
What actions are being taken to address human rights violations in Cuban prisons?
Human rights organizations have called for the intervention of the international community. There is a demand for the opening of Cuban prisons to independent observers to investigate reported conditions and violations. The Cuban Prison Documentation Center and other entities advocate for transparency and accountability from the Cuban state to prevent further human rights violations.
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