In yet another stark example of the human rights violations rampant in Cuba, the regime has once again hospitalized independent journalist Omar Suárez Campo in the Isidro de Armas Psychiatric Hospital in Pinar del Río following his protest over the lack of medications.
In a video posted on the social media platform Facebook by ADN Cuba, Suárez can be heard shouting, "Down with communism. Down with Díaz-Canel. Down with repression," a sentiment the Cuban government will not tolerate in any form.
Internet user Julio César Góngora took to his X account to condemn the regime's actions, highlighting how, with complete impunity, they imprison and attempt to silence those fighting for truth, human rights, and genuine freedom in their homeland.
Similarly, user Marcel Valdés reported that the journalist "was brutally arrested inside his home where, according to his family, he was beaten." Indeed, according to the cited media, this is not the first time State Security (SE) has confined him to a psychiatric facility.
The communicator and activist disclosed last June that he had been detained for four days, that time for raising his voice against the water shortage in the island's westernmost province. On that occasion, he revealed he had been administered high doses of parkisonil (Trihexyphenidyl) and haloperidol: "They drug me, administer treatments that dull my brain, my thoughts, my psyche, so I come out of there dazed. I was also threatened with being transferred to Villa Marista in Havana and the Mazorra Psychiatric Hospital," according to the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press.
Days before that detention, SE repressors arrived at Omar Suárez Campos' home, harassed, and threatened him over the signs he had placed in his house demanding the essential water service.
Human Rights Violations in Cuba
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the ongoing human rights violations in Cuba, especially concerning the recent case of Omar Suárez Campo.
Who is Omar Suárez Campo?
Omar Suárez Campo is an independent journalist and activist in Cuba known for his vocal opposition to the Cuban regime and his advocacy for human rights and freedom of expression.
Why was Omar Suárez Campo hospitalized in a psychiatric facility?
Omar Suárez Campo was hospitalized in the Isidro de Armas Psychiatric Hospital after protesting the lack of medications in Pinar del Río. This is part of a broader pattern of repression by the Cuban regime against dissenters.
What treatments were administered to Omar Suárez Campo?
According to Suárez, he was given high doses of parkisonil (Trihexyphenidyl) and haloperidol, which he described as treatments that dulled his brain and thoughts, leaving him dazed.
What is the significance of Villa Marista and Mazorra Psychiatric Hospital?
Villa Marista is a notorious state security detention center in Havana, and Mazorra Psychiatric Hospital is another facility often used to detain and silence political dissidents in Cuba.