Victoria Martínez Valdivia, mother of political prisoners Luis Miguel Alarcón Martínez and Felipe Octavio Correa Martínez, has reported the harsh conditions and abuses her sons are enduring at the Combinado de Guantánamo prison. "Felipe is depressed and crying. The situation is extremely tough; many things have happened, and he is very anxious. He has a mental disability and suffers from seizures," the mother explained to Martí Noticias.
Luis Miguel and Felipe were convicted for their participation in the peaceful protest that occurred in Caimanera on May 6, 2023, where hundreds of people demanded rights and better living conditions. In July 2024, the Municipal People's Court of Niceto Pérez sentenced five protesters. Luis Miguel Alarcón Martínez is serving a seven-year prison term for charges of incitement to commit a crime and public disorder.
Felipe Octavio Correa Martínez, who has an intellectual disability, was sentenced to two years in prison for assault. After visiting her sons recently in jail, Martínez Valdivia reported that Felipe is in a state of profound stress, exacerbated by the mistreatment in prison.
Luis Miguel has taken on the responsibility of protecting his brother in a hostile environment, where both guards and common prisoners abuse them. The mother also denounced the poor nutrition and lack of medications in the prison, which has led to outbreaks of diseases like dengue and infestations of bedbugs.
Although the families of the convicted appealed their sentences in July, they have yet to receive a response from judicial authorities. Martínez Valdivia expressed her frustration, highlighting that her complaints to the Provincial Prosecutor's Office have yielded no results.
Conditions and Abuses in Cuban Prisons: FAQs
This section addresses common questions about the conditions and abuses reported in Cuban prisons, particularly at the Combinado de Guantánamo.
What are the reported conditions in the Combinado de Guantánamo prison?
The reported conditions include poor nutrition, lack of medications, outbreaks of diseases like dengue, and infestations of bedbugs.
How are Luis Miguel and Felipe Octavio being treated in prison?
Luis Miguel and Felipe Octavio are reportedly abused by both guards and common prisoners. Felipe, who has a mental disability, is in a state of profound stress due to the mistreatment.
What actions have been taken to appeal the sentences?
The families of the convicted appealed their sentences in July, but they have yet to receive a response from judicial authorities. Complaints to the Provincial Prosecutor's Office have also yielded no results.