Widespread indignation has erupted among parents in Villa Clara over the revelation that their children, who are currently fulfilling their Mandatory Military Service (MMS), are being compelled to donate blood under threat of increased night guard duties if they refuse.
The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) amplified these concerns on Facebook, highlighting that young people in military service are being coerced into blood donations: "They are threatened with revocation of home visit permissions or an increase in the frequency of night shifts."
Parents expressed to ICLEP that while they are not opposed to their children participating in a generous act like blood donation, they stated, "What we do not agree with is that they should be forced to do it under pressure."
Despotism and Abuse in Mandatory Military Service
The organization noted that Cuba's MMS is compulsory, subjecting young individuals to "despotic structures, humiliation, and mistreatment." The intense pressure has led some to take drastic actions against themselves.
In June of this year, a 20-year-old soldier from Santa Clara tragically died after jumping out of a bus window belonging to the Military Construction Company No-4 in Matanzas, with license plate B 194 585. The state-run radio station CMHW reported that the incident occurred around 10:00 AM at kilometer 254 of the National Highway in Villa Clara, with the young man dying instantly upon impact with the pavement.
The report indicates that Muñoz, along with 11 other soldiers, three civilians, and the driver, was traveling to the city of Matanzas to continue his mission as part of the MMS.
In 2023, Julio César Correa Hernández reported that his grandson had taken his own life. "I want to make this denunciation globally; my grandson Maikol ended his life during the mandatory service of this country," the man declared on Facebook.
The grandfather of Maikol Arcia Hernández, the young recruit, explained in his post that his grandson suffered from mental health issues that had not been adequately assessed by military medical authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Forced Blood Donations in Cuban Military Service
Given the serious nature of these allegations, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the forced blood donations and the conditions within Cuba's Mandatory Military Service.
Why are young recruits in Cuba being forced to donate blood?
Young recruits are being forced to donate blood as a means of coercion, with threats of increased night guard duties or revocation of home visit permissions if they refuse.
What are the consequences for refusing to donate blood in Cuba's MMS?
Recruits who refuse to donate blood face threats of increased night guard duties and the revocation of permissions to visit their homes.
How has the Cuban government responded to these allegations?
There has been no official response from the Cuban government regarding these allegations, despite widespread indignation and reports of coercion.
What actions are parents and organizations taking in response?
Parents and organizations like ICLEP are publicly denouncing the coercion and mistreatment of young recruits, calling for international attention and intervention.