The head of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, has voiced a strong condemnation regarding the passing of Cuban political prisoner Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas. Guillén Esplugas died while under custody at Combinado del Este prison in Havana. Almagro took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to label the incident as an "unacceptable act" that "must not be overlooked," placing the blame on the Cuban regime for the young man's death, who was jailed for his involvement in the July 11, 2021, protests.
"The death of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas is a tragedy that must not be ignored. His only 'crime' was raising his voice for freedom during the 11J protests. The regime was responsible for ensuring his safety while in prison. It's crucial that the international community denounces this act and demands justice for Manuel and all those suffering under Cuba's dictatorship," Almagro stated on his official account.
Repercussions of the Cuban Regime's Crackdown Post-11J
Guillén Esplugas' case has sparked significant international outrage. Reports from his mother, Dania María Esplugas Falcó, claim that the young man, aged 29, was subjected to torture and murder while incarcerated. The official narrative, which attributes his death to suicide, has been dismissed by family members and human rights organizations. Guillén Esplugas was among more than 1,500 Cubans imprisoned after the large-scale 11J protests, regarded as one of the most significant opposition events in decades.
Global Solidarity and Ongoing Impact of 11J
The international reverberations of the 11J protests remain strong. In 2023, Cubans worldwide marked this historical event, as noted in a report on global demonstrations of solidarity with the Cuban people.
A Global Call to Halt Repression in Cuba
The OAS Secretary General has persistently advocated for democratic governments across the hemisphere to demand justice and implement tangible measures to halt repression on the island. Three years post-11J, the underlying causes of the social upheaval not only persist but have worsened. A comprehensive analysis of the plight of political prisoners in Cuba was highlighted in an international human rights report.
The situation surrounding Guillén Esplugas underscores the urgent need for worldwide attention to ensure human rights in Cuba are upheld. This crime, among many others, illustrates the steep human cost in the pursuit of freedom on the island.
International Concerns on Human Rights in Cuba
What was the cause of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas' death according to official sources?
The official narrative claims that Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas died by suicide, a claim rejected by his family and human rights organizations.
How has the international community reacted to Guillén Esplugas' death?
The international community has expressed significant outrage, with calls for justice and accountability from the Cuban regime, notably from figures such as Luis Almagro, the Secretary General of the OAS.
What impact did the 11J protests have on Cuba and the world?
The 11J protests are seen as one of the most significant opposition movements in Cuba in decades, leading to global demonstrations of solidarity and ongoing calls for political change on the island.