Yosandri Mulet Almarales, a political prisoner and protester from La Güinera, died this Monday due to severe injuries sustained from a suicide attempt that left him fighting for his life for several days. This information was confirmed by the Center for Cuban Prison Documentation (CDPC), a non-governmental organization that reported on August 22 about his second and final suicide attempt, which occurred during a break from the penitentiary where he was doing forced labor.
"According to activist Marcel Valdés, the family of the political prisoner learned of his death today. It is unclear how many days he was in the Julio Trigo Hospital, where he was taken seemingly alive, as the authorities secured the place," the organization stated on its social media this Monday.
In an interview with Martí Noticias, a relative of Mulet Almarales disclosed that he suffered from great distress and anxiety due to his unjust sentence. "He didn’t want to be imprisoned. He was very agitated," the relative said.
"Mulet Almarales was serving a 10-year sentence for his participation in the July 11 protests in La Güinera, Havana. He attempted suicide for the second time during a break from the penitentiary where he was subjected to forced labor," the CDPC clarified.
Urgent Alert from Cubadecide
Meanwhile, the Cubadecide platform issued an urgent alert and denunciation this Monday, stating that the political prisoner was "in intensive care, reported as critical, after jumping from the Calabazar Bridge during a break from the Toledo Prison."
"About eight months ago, Yosandri had already attempted to take his life in the Combinado del Este Prison. On that occasion, he tried to hang himself and was saved by his fellow inmates," said the platform founded by opposition leader Rosa María Payá.
Furthermore, it denounced that "the prisoners from July 11 are being subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, denied any penitentiary benefits, and many of them do not even have the support of their families."
In this context, the CDPC reminded the public of the existence of the so-called 'Mandela Rules', which "require the State to provide ongoing medical assistance to detect any signs of psychological or other stress caused by incarceration, including the risk of suicide or self-harm."
The totalitarian Cuban regime not only violates these rules but also employs torture methods against political prisoners, as documented by various non-governmental organizations that have collected testimonies from victims of repression.
"The despair and suffering of Cuban political prisoners, who have been arbitrarily tried and sentenced to long prison terms, are leading them to make desperate decisions as their only recourse in the face of constant human rights violations," emphasized Cubadecide in its statement.
Yosandri Mulet Almarales was born on May 11, 1987. The political prisoner was sentenced on January 24, 2023, to 10 years of imprisonment following a trial held at the Popular Court of the 10th of October Municipality. The prosecution initially sought 13 years of imprisonment for the alleged crime of sedition. Mulet Almarales spent more than a year in provisional detention awaiting trial.
The political prisoner was reported in critical condition on June 4 after trying to take his own life in the Combinado del Este Prison, which led to his measure being changed to house arrest. Ultimately, the regime's justice system revoked the house arrest measure before the sentence was handed down. Mulet Almarales was 37 years old at the time of his death.
The historic July 11, 2021 (11J) protests, which brought thousands of demonstrators to the streets of towns and cities across Cuba, resulted in one death and several injuries following clashes with repressive forces near the police station in the La Güinera neighborhood, in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality of Havana.
The death of Diubis Laurencio Tejeda was officially confirmed by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) on July 13. The 36-year-old young man died from a shot to the back by a Makarov pistol (standard issue for Cuban police) fired by Second Lieutenant Yoennis Pelegrín Hernández, sector chief in Mantilla.
Key Questions About the Tragic Death of Yosandri Mulet Almarales
Given the tragic passing of Yosandri Mulet Almarales, many questions arise about the circumstances and broader context of his death. Here, we've gathered some key questions and answers to shed light on the situation.
What were the circumstances leading to Yosandri Mulet Almarales' death?
Yosandri Mulet Almarales died from severe injuries sustained in a suicide attempt during a break from Toledo Prison. He had previously attempted suicide in Combinado del Este Prison.
Why was Yosandri Mulet Almarales imprisoned?
Yosandri Mulet Almarales was serving a 10-year sentence for his involvement in the July 11, 2021, protests in La Güinera, Havana.
What is the significance of the Mandela Rules in this context?
The Mandela Rules require states to provide ongoing medical assistance to detect and address any psychological stress or risk of suicide among prisoners. The Cuban regime has been accused of violating these rules.