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Cuban families reported new summons for mandatory military service, even for young people who completed it years ago, amid threats of imprisonment and psychological pressure, according to testimonies shared on social media.
One of the cases was presented by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who shared the story of a mother whose 22-year-old twin sons were called up again for military service, despite having completed it four years ago.
According to the report, the summons aims for a "reassessment" in light of an alleged threat of invasion by the United States, within the context of the so-called "State of War on the island."
"Those who do not sign will be taken to prison," assured the sister of the young men, who explained that the authorities are pressuring those summoned to agree to rejoin, under threats of criminal penalties.
The testimony highlights the anguish and emotional impact faced by families and young people, many of whom are students or workers, in light of what they describe as an arbitrary use of military service, where in recent years dozens of deaths among teenage recruits have been reported.
Last Saturday, the National Defense Council of Cuba approved "the plans and measures for the transition to a State of War" as part of what it refers to as the "strategic conception of the War of the Whole People."
The statement does not specify what concrete measures were approved, what real implications this supposed "preparation" will have, or what level of mobilization is expected from the civilian population.
The mother’s report has sparked outrage on social media, where in recent years, campaigns and petitions from civil society have repeatedly called for the island to end military service.
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