The outrage on social media continues to escalate over the death of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas, a political prisoner in Cuba who was also the great-grandson of the nation's celebrated poet, Nicolás Guillén. Guillén Esplugas, a 29-year-old, was serving a six-year sentence at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana for his involvement in the July 11 protests.
The Cuban regime has informed the family that the young man committed suicide, a claim strongly refuted by Yan Franco Esplugas, who identified himself online as the deceased's cousin. Many have drawn comparisons between the fate of Nicolás Guillén's descendant and that of Sandro Castro, the grandson of Fidel Castro, who is openly preparing to celebrate his birthday extravagantly.
Caterina Camastra expressed her dismay on Facebook, stating, "The great-grandson of poet Nicolás Guillén, a political prisoner, is beaten to death in jail. Meanwhile, Fidel Castro's grandson flaunts obscene duckfaces on Instagram while announcing his birthday bash at his entrepreneur bar." She poignantly added, "It would be comedy if it weren't tragedy."
Echoes of Guillén's Poetry in Protest
A recurring sentiment on social media has been that the "revolution devours its children," alluding to Nicolás Guillén's long-standing closeness to the regime. Cati de Luca denounced, "So many medals, Nicolás Guillén, and the one you should have closed the wall on has now murdered your great-grandson. The revolution devours its children. To the dictatorship: close the wall. To those who pursue and kill those with differing opinions: close the wall."
Many have invoked Guillén's poetry to highlight the injustice faced by his family member. Daykel Angulo wrote, "'I have, let's see, I have what I had to have.' When Nicolás Guillén penned 'I Have,' he couldn't have imagined that decades later, his descendants would suffer under the same regime he so idealistically praised in his poetry. Indeed, the great-grandson of Nicolás Guillén, Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas, has been beaten to death in a Cuban prison."
Angulo continued, "His crime: peacefully protesting on July 11, 2021. '...I turn my eyes, I look, I see and touch, and I wonder how this could have happened...'"
Calls for Justice and International Intervention
Ana Belkis Ferrer, sister of another political prisoner José Daniel Ferrer, called on democratic governments to intervene, stating, "We demand justice for Manuel de Jesús and all our martyrs. We urge Díaz-Canel and Raúl Castro to cease the brutal repression, free #SOSFerrer and all detained and political prisoners, and step down from power. Our condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace, Manuel de Jesús; may our Lord embrace you."
Member of the Union Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU) and promoter of Cuba Decide, the young protester from July 11 had been imprisoned for over a year and a half without a trial date or any formal charges. His mother, Dania María Esplugas, filed a second Habeas Corpus with the Provincial Court of Havana demanding his immediate release, following the dismissal of her initial request in January by the State Security Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice.
Legal Violations and Ongoing Repression
Opponents have cited Guillén's case as an example of the legal violations committed by the Cuban regime in response to the July 11 social upheaval. Guillén, a resident of Old Havana, was violently arrested on July 17, 2021, by state security agents after posting videos online documenting his involvement in the protests.
The non-governmental organization Cubalex, which monitors human rights in Cuba and provides free legal assistance, released a report on repression in the country during the first half of 2024, reporting 26 deaths under custody.
The conditions in Cuban prisons remain dire, with evidence of torture, cruel and inhumane treatment, and a severe lack of medical care contributing to deaths in custody. Over the past two years, 56 people have died while in custody, highlighting the regime's ongoing abuses.
Currently, the Cuban government holds 554 individuals imprisoned for participating in the July 11 protests, which were the largest demonstrations in the country's history.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Political Prisoners
What led to Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas's imprisonment?
Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas was imprisoned for his participation in the July 11 protests, which were a significant expression of dissent against the Cuban regime.
How has the international community responded to this case?
There have been calls from various individuals and organizations for international intervention and justice for Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas and other political prisoners in Cuba.
What are the conditions like in Cuban prisons?
Cuban prisons are notorious for their poor conditions, including reports of torture, cruel treatment, and inadequate medical care, which have contributed to numerous deaths in custody.