Alfredo González, the father of Annier González, an 18-year-old Cuban who tragically took his own life while fulfilling his Mandatory Military Service (SMO) in Matanzas, remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice. He has recently condemned the conditions under which the trial of those allegedly responsible for his son's death was conducted. "My son was no criminal; he was merely an immature, responsible, and respectful teenager. He should not have been treated like a slave, before or after his death. Enough of the countless victims of Mandatory Military Service in Cuba; they are humans, not slaves," he expressed in a Facebook group titled "No More VICTIMS in Cuba’s Military Service."
Alfredo detailed the events that unfolded during the twelve days his son endured in the SMO, highlighting the inefficacy of Cuba's military justice system following a trial prompted by his own complaint. "My son was not a delinquent; he was forced into this misfortune," he stated. Overwhelmed with anger, he pointed out the discrepancies in the trial, including the rapid promotion of a captain who was a sub-lieutenant at the time of Annier's death and the Military Counterintelligence's (CIM) pressure on the defense attorney.
According to Alfredo's account, his son received minimal preparation during the so-called pre-training phase. Out of these, twelve days were spent marching, one day at the shooting range, and another day on medical exams. Annier died on July 4, 2021, after being assigned to guard duty at the Combinado del Sur prison with only 13 days at the unit and lacking the necessary training to handle a firearm.
Time and again, Alfredo has lamented that his life turned into a nightmare, regretting not removing his son from an environment he describes as rife with mediocre officers who should care for, not mistreat, young recruits. Standing by his son's grave in February 2024, Alfredo vowed to exhaust all legal avenues and, if unsuccessful, expressed his willingness to take to the streets in search of justice. He accused prosecutors and officials involved in the case of lying and failing in their duties, holding them accountable for Annier's death.
Despite approaching various institutions, Alfredo asserts he has not received satisfactory responses. He recently reported the emergence of a file at the Prosecutor's Office, purportedly from an investigation by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), which he considers to be riddled with inaccuracies and lies, executed in a shoddy manner. He criticized the attempt to blame his son, citing a supposed psychological adaptation issue to military service, while declaring that the true culprits are the institutions that allowed the abuses.
In a country where dissent is stifled, this father's words are a courageous testament to the suffering endured by many Cuban families, although similar incidents have been reported by independent media.
The Struggle for Justice in Cuban Military Courts
What actions has Alfredo González taken in seeking justice for his son's death?
Alfredo González has actively denounced the trial conditions, sought legal avenues, and expressed his readiness to protest publicly if necessary, demanding accountability from those involved in his son's death.
How did Alfredo González describe the environment of the Mandatory Military Service?
He described it as an environment filled with mediocre officers who neglect the well-being of young recruits, treating them poorly instead of caring for them.
What inconsistencies did Alfredo highlight in the trial process?
Alfredo pointed out the rapid promotion of an officer involved and the pressure exerted by Military Counterintelligence on the defense attorney, among other discrepancies.