On Tuesday, a disturbing new report surfaced exposing mistreatment within Cuba's Active Military Service, highlighted by the release of a video allegedly filmed at a Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) unit in Guantánamo. The footage reveals a young soldier with a blue barrel covering his head, while other military personnel issue commands and force him to bear excessive weight in a strained posture.
The video, shared on the TikTok account Reflexion.life71, is deemed the “second installment” in a series showcasing abuses in Cuban military facilities. The scene has ignited a wave of outrage across social media, where demands are being made to identify those responsible and halt the institutional violence endured by thousands of young men during their mandatory service.
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of another video that sparked significant uproar, showing a teenager in an alleged Infantry Unit in San José being kicked and forced to carry a heavy object while squatting, a clear example of physical punishment. The slender young man struggles to manage the burden imposed on him.
Journalist Magdiel Jorge Castro starkly summarized the situation: “Those of us who served in the Military know this is just a glimpse of the real horror.” The accusation quickly rallied social media users, who even managed to identify the officer involved in the abuses. According to an anonymous witness, the officer is notorious for his violent behavior: “He's a notorious bully. Always testing strength and abusing soldiers.”
Comedian Andy Vázquez also spoke out, warning that the recruit could have died after being pushed backward under the load. “These abuses are behind many of the suicides occurring in the Military Service,” he asserted.
Despite the widespread scandal and calls for justice, the Cuban government remains silent. There are no public investigations or known sanctions, in a system where recruits are treated as “human resources” with neglected fundamental rights.
Such incidents are far from isolated. Last May, two recruits were fatally struck by a bus in the Mariel Special Development Zone. That same month, Léster Álvarez reportedly took his own life in the Ariza prison while serving his term. One of the most poignant cases involved teenager Adrián Rodríguez García, who died after being hit by a vehicle upon leaving his unit with permission but under military responsibility. No investigations followed.
Campaigns against the Military Service have gained momentum since the Matanzas supertanker fires in 2022, a tragedy that claimed the lives of four recruits. Since then, parents have mobilized, demanding that their children not be used as “cannon fodder” or exposed to inhumane conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Military Abuse in Cuba
What prompted the outrage over military service in Cuba?
Recent videos have surfaced showing young soldiers being subjected to abuse, including physical punishment and excessive forced labor, leading to widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
Has the Cuban government responded to these allegations of abuse?
As of now, the Cuban government has not issued a public response or initiated any known investigations into the allegations of abuse within the military service.
What are the risks faced by recruits in Cuban military service?
Recruits in Cuban military service face risks such as physical abuse, harsh conditions, and inadequate protection of their rights, which have sometimes resulted in severe injury or death.