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The family of Matthew Jean-Philippe, an American citizen and father of two young children, reported that the man has been imprisoned in Cuba for three months without being formally charged and under conditions they describe as inhumane.
In a message sent to the editorial team of CiberCuba, the family members warned that Matthew is in La Condesa prison, a facility for foreigners located on the outskirts of Havana, and they claim that his health has seriously deteriorated during the time he has been in custody.
"Matthew suffers a fractured arm without treatment and limps due to injuries sustained while in custody. We have no information on the reason for his arrest or the legal proceedings he faces. His children ask about their father daily," they expressed.
The family claims that, after 90 days, the Cuban authorities have not provided any explanations or transparency regarding the case. “The efforts of the U.S. Department of State have not yielded results”, they stated, while also denouncing that their requests for medical attention and due process have been ignored.
Matthew, who was in a relationship with a Cuban woman, was detained under still unclear circumstances and has since been separated from his children and family.
"Every day matters. A father misses the life of his children. Two kids miss their father. An American citizen is being held without any explanation, injured and alone," underscores the complaint.
What is La Condesa?
La Condesa is a prison mainly for foreigners in Cuba and has been the subject of numerous complaints from inmates and their families. Previous reports reveal lack of medication, poor nutrition, power outages, corruption, and absence of legal transparency.
In June 2024, more than 70 foreign prisoners staged a hunger strike in protest of the prison conditions. Other cases, such as that of the Canadian Radu Martin or the suicide of a Jamaican inmate, have highlighted a pattern of human rights violations and medical neglect within the prison facility.
An urgent call
Matthew's family is calling for the immediate attention of the international community to press for his release or, at the very least, to ensure that he receives medical treatment and access to a lawyer who can represent him in the Cuban system.
"We urgently need the media's attention. Matthew's health is declining and his children are growing up without their father," they insisted.
The case of Jean-Philippe once again brings to light the opacity of the Cuban prison system and the conditions of La Condesa, where dozens of foreigners have reported neglect, mistreatment, and the systematic denial of due process in recent years.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of Matthew Jean-Philippe in Cuba
Why was Matthew Jean-Philippe arrested in Cuba?
Despite Matthew Jean-Philippe being imprisoned in Cuba for three months, no charges have been brought against him, nor has there been any official information regarding the reasons for his detention. His family and U.S. authorities have pointed out the lack of transparency in the process.
What are the conditions like at La Condesa prison in Cuba?
The La Condesa prison, where Matthew is located, has been the subject of numerous complaints regarding human rights violations. Reports include a lack of medication, inadequate food, corruption, and inhumane conditions, as evidenced by hunger strikes and complaints from inmates and their families.
What actions has Matthew Jean-Philippe's family taken?
Matthew's family has reported his situation to the media and has requested the intervention of the international community to pressure for his release and ensure he has access to medical treatment and proper legal counsel. Despite their efforts, the Cuban authorities have not responded to their requests.
What role has the U.S. government played in the Matthew case?
The U.S. Department of State has tried to intervene in the case of Matthew Jean-Philippe, but so far it has not achieved significant results. The lack of cooperation and transparency from the Cuban government has hindered diplomatic efforts to resolve the case.
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