Gerardo Díaz Alonso, a 35-year-old political prisoner sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in the July 2021 protests in Cárdenas, Matanzas, passed away on Thursday due to a heart attack. Díaz Alonso, a father of two, had been held at the high-security Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila, according to a Facebook post by Aylín Sardiña Fernández.
Recently, the non-governmental organization Cubalex, known for its focus on human rights monitoring in Cuba and providing free legal assistance on the island, released a report highlighting repression in the country during the first half of 2024. The report revealed that 26 individuals had died while in custody.
The situation within Cuban prisons remains dire, with reports of torture, cruel and inhumane treatment, and a critical lack of medical care contributing to deaths among detainees. Over the past two years, 56 deaths have occurred under the supervision of Cuban authorities, underscoring a troubling trend.
Widespread Custodial Deaths Point to Systemic Issues
Another study by Cubalex indicates that "deaths in custody have taken place across nearly all of Cuba, impacting individuals of varying ages and social backgrounds. This pattern points to a widespread and systemic problem that demands urgent attention."