The tragic death of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas, a young political prisoner allegedly beaten to death by his jailers, has sparked widespread condemnation among Cuban civil society. Prominent singer Aymée Nuviola recently added her voice to those decrying the death of Guillén Esplugas, a member of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and great-grandson of National Poet Nicolás Guillén. He was serving a six-year sentence for taking part in the mass protests of July 11, 2021.
Expressing her support for the bereaved family, Nuviola stated on social media, "My solidarity goes out to the mother of the Cuban youth murdered in prison, Manuel de Jesús, who took part in the July 11 protests in Cuba. Watch and share this video because we must amplify these injustices committed by the Cuban tyranny." The two-time Latin Grammy winner shared a video where she appeared visibly upset, emphasizing she could not remain silent in the face of these events.
"It’s not the first, nor will it be the last time, that a young Cuban is killed, as was the case with this political prisoner who protested on July 11 in Cuba," Nuviola stressed, echoing the statements of Dania María Esplugas, the young man's mother. She recounted the circumstances of her son's death and the way the authorities informed her of the tragedy.
Nuviola shared, "She noticed a police car circling her home. It seems they didn't have the courage to tell her that her son had been killed in prison." The esteemed Cuban artist, visibly shaken yet determined to speak out, urged her followers to amplify the incident. "We cannot stay silent. This must be denounced," she wrote on Instagram.
As time progresses, the outcry on social media against the 29-year-old's death in the Combinado del Este prison continues to escalate. While the regime claims he committed suicide, this assertion has been vehemently denied by Yan Franco Esplugas, his cousin, who spoke out on social media.
Among the growing chorus of condemnation is Brian A. Nichols, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. On Monday, Nichols commented on the tragic event on social media platform X, highlighting the allegations of torture surrounding Guillén Esplugas’s death in a Cuban prison.
Understanding the Death of Guillén Esplugas
Who was Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas?
Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas was a young political activist and member of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He was serving a six-year prison sentence for his involvement in the July 11, 2021, protests in Cuba.
What sparked the condemnation of his death?
His death, allegedly resulting from a beating by prison guards, has sparked outrage and widespread condemnation among Cuban civil society and international figures, including Aymée Nuviola and U.S. officials.
What has been the response from the Cuban regime regarding his death?
The Cuban regime has stated that Guillén Esplugas committed suicide, a claim that has been strongly refuted by his family members.