Five women attack the sister of a political prisoner in Havana

One of the sisters of the Cuban political prisoner Duannis Dabel León Taboada was a victim of an assault by 5 women in broad daylight.

"Yesterday, one of my daughters was assaulted by 5 women in the middle of the street. It makes no sense at all because there was no real problem, as my daughter has no issues with anyone," reported Jenni Taboada on Facebook, mother of both and an activist for the freedom of political prisoners.

The woman also reported that the assault was filmed by the sector chief of the PNR in the area.

"In fact, my daughter still doesn't understand the reason for such aggression. There was someone filming at the scene, and according to testimonies from neighbors, the person filming was the Chief of the sector in the area. This official from the PNR never approached my daughter, nor showed any concern or anything like that, even knowing she was a victim of five people, okay?" Taboada assured.

The woman held the Cuban regime responsible for her daughter's safety.

"I do not believe in coincidences. I repeat, and I hold this dictatorship responsible for anything that happens to my children and relatives. Do not dare to touch my daughters," he concluded.

Taboada is one of the political prisoners' family members with the most public resonance due to the bravery and persistence with which he has demanded his son's freedom.

Last July, for instance, this mother stood in front of the Combinado del Este prison in Havana after being denied access to visit her son, who had been on a hunger strike for more than a week.

The hunger strike of their son, as a reaction to the injustice of his sentence, left many Cubans on edge until it was interrupted following Taboada's pleas.

In March, the woman reported that she was the victim of a sexual assault and abuse at the Capri police unit, in Havana, after responding to a citation issued by the authorities.

Duannis, 24 years old, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for participating in the anti-government protests on July 11, 2021.

The sedition sentence against him was initially 21 years but was later reduced to 14 after an appeals process. He was accused of allegedly damaging a police patrol, although his family maintains that he was merely exercising his right to peaceful protest.

The mother has held the Cuban state responsible for the integrity of her son. The case of Duannis León Taboada represents, for many Cubans, the face of a youth who raised his voice against the regime and ended up behind bars. And of a mother who, despite her pain and fear, continues to fight to save her son.

Frequently asked questions about the situation of Duannis Dabel León Taboada and his family members