The platform Justicia 11J has reported that at least ten political prisoners in Cuba have attempted suicide so far in 2024, including three who tragically lost their lives in the attempts. "Since January 1, 2024, the Centro de Documentación de Prisiones Cubanas (CDPC) has recorded three instances of suicidal ideation, three self-harming incidents, and six suicide attempts involving ten political prisoners (seven men and three women)," they stated in a bulletin published two days ago on their website.
Among those who succeeded in ending their lives is Yosandri Mulet Almarales, a political prisoner sentenced to ten years in prison for participating in the anti-government protests in July 2021. He died after jumping from an elevated bridge over a highway. Another case is that of Yasmany González Valdés, an activist sentenced to four years for anti-government graffiti on walls in Havana. In February of this year, after enduring months of abuse in Cuban prisons and facing a rigged judicial process, he contemplated taking his life.
Similar cases are highlighted among female political prisoners Mayelín Rodríguez Prado and Yanet Pérez Quevedo, who are incarcerated at the Kilo 5 or Granja 5 prison in Camagüey and have also attempted suicide. Additional cases include Omar Ortega, imprisoned in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, and Lizandra Góngora, held in Los Colonos, Isla de la Juventud. A recent case involves Fray Pascual Claro Valladares, sentenced in April 2024 to ten years in a trial lacking due process for the protests in Nuevitas, Camagüey (2022).
Lastly, there is Daiver Leyva Vélez, another individual sentenced to ten years for "sedition" due to the Nuevitas protests, who has attempted suicide twice.
Justicia 11J concludes its bulletin by reiterating the "demand for the immediate release of hundreds of individuals sentenced for various protest scenarios in Cuba and other political causes. They are at risk every day they remain in the harsh conditions of Cuban prisons, punished in multiple ways for their ideas and opposition to the regime."
The platform Cubadecide has frequently highlighted that "the prisoners of 11J are subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, completely denied penitentiary benefits, and many lack support from their families." The Cuban totalitarian regime employs torture methods against political prisoners, as documented by various non-governmental organizations that have collected testimonies from victims of repression.
In this regard, the CDPC reminded the public about the 'Mandela Rules,' which "require the state to provide ongoing medical assistance to 'detect any signs of psychological or other stress caused by imprisonment, including the risk of suicide or self-harm.'"
Questions About Political Prisoners in Cuba
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the dire situation of political prisoners in Cuba, their treatment, and the international response.
How many political prisoners have attempted suicide in Cuba in 2024?
At least ten political prisoners have attempted suicide in Cuba in 2024, according to Justicia 11J.
What organizations are reporting on the conditions of political prisoners in Cuba?
Organizations like Justicia 11J, Cubadecide, and the Centro de Documentación de Prisiones Cubanas (CDPC) are actively reporting on the conditions and treatment of political prisoners in Cuba.
What are the 'Mandela Rules'?
The 'Mandela Rules' are guidelines that require states to provide ongoing medical assistance to detect signs of psychological or other stress caused by imprisonment, including the risk of suicide or self-harm.