A prisoner identified as Jorge Luis Torres Vaillant has died due to severe malnutrition while being held in Detachment #16 of a prison in Santiago de Cuba. Known as "El Trillizo" and hailing from El Salao, Torres Vaillant endured 28 days requesting medical help for a persistent fever that remained untreated, according to allegations made by Ana Belkis Ferrer García, the wife of dissident and political prisoner José Daniel Ferrer García.
Ana Belkis Ferrer García revealed that despite multiple transfers to the prison's medical post, Jorge Luis was swiftly returned to his cell without receiving adequate care. His health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his hospitalization ten days before his death. On December 8, authorities granted him a special leave, a move sources say was intended to shift the responsibility for his death away from the prison environment.
Jorge Luis passed away on December 9 at home, in critical conditions of malnutrition and unable to process medical treatments, including administered IV fluids. This tragic incident adds to a string of recent deaths in Cuban prisons.
Recent Tragic Incidents in Cuban Prisons
On December 1, activists reported the murder of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas, a political prisoner from the July 11 protests, at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana. His mother, Dania María Esplugas Falcó, rejected the official narrative that attributed her son's death to suicide. She accused prison authorities of murder, covering up the crime, and lying to the family.
Just a few days later, on December 3, the death of Frank Morales Cuesta was reported in the Boniato prison, Santiago de Cuba. His family attributed his death to malnutrition and medical negligence.
Reports of Abuse and Repression
In addition to these deaths, there have been recent reports of beatings and repression in Cuban prisons. On December 2, José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), confirmed that he was the victim of a brutal beating by military personnel serving the regime in the Mar Verde prison, Santiago de Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Prison Conditions in Cuba
What led to the death of Jorge Luis Torres Vaillant?
Jorge Luis Torres Vaillant died due to severe malnutrition after his medical needs were neglected while imprisoned in Santiago de Cuba.
What actions have been reported regarding prison abuse in Cuba?
There have been reports of beatings and repression in Cuban prisons, including a brutal attack on José Daniel Ferrer by military personnel.