The human rights organization Cubalex has raised serious concerns about the well-being of political prisoner Alejandro Morales Pereira, who has been detained since February for peacefully protesting in the streets of Encrucijada, Villa Clara. Morales stepped forward to criticize the arrests following public demonstrations last November over power outages.
According to Cubalex's Facebook post, Morales Pereira tried to end his life on June 20, driven to despair by the ongoing physical and psychological abuse inflicted by authorities at La Pendiente prison in Santa Clara. The report details that while handcuffed in his cell, guards brutally beat him, demanding he shout "Patria o muerte," to which he defiantly responded, "Patria y libertad." Following the beating, his body was left covered in bruises.
Cubalex has also highlighted that Alejandro suffers from mental health disorders that are incompatible with the prison's conditions. Despite this, authorities have ignored his medical needs and failed to provide the specialized care he requires.
Violent Arrest for Exercising the Right to Protest
On February 19, Morales was violently arrested while live-streaming a peaceful protest on Facebook in front of the Communist Party headquarters in Encrucijada. He was demanding the release of young detainees who had spoken out against the power outages. During the broadcast, he confronted a Party official, asking, "Why are the young people of Encrucijada still imprisoned? Answer me, don't turn your face away," before continuing to march through the streets, chanting for Cuba's freedom and the release of political prisoners. Minutes later, he was apprehended by the police.
The video of his protest, widely circulated on social media, showed his resolve and awareness of the potential consequences, as he urged viewers to share it, stating, "Enough of the fear." He warned the arresting officer, "The whole world is watching you," to which the officer dismissively replied, "What do I care?"
"Alejandro's Life is in Danger"
His family is extremely worried. Alejandro's mental health issues, which are not being addressed by the prison system, exacerbate the risk to his well-being. He has not been provided with the necessary medical care.
"Alejandro's life is in danger. Authorities are responsible for his physical and mental integrity," emphasized Cubalex, urging the international community and human rights organizations to pressure the Cuban regime to end the abuse and ensure Morales Pereira receives medical care.
"We alert to the inhumane conditions of detention and the acts of torture Alejandro is enduring," the post states. "Protesting is not a crime," it concludes, reiterating that the activist was imprisoned for exercising his right to free speech and demanding justice for other political prisoners. So far, the Cuban authorities have not issued any statements regarding these allegations.
Understanding the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why was Alejandro Morales Pereira arrested?
Alejandro Morales Pereira was arrested for peacefully protesting against the detention of young individuals who spoke out against power outages in Encrucijada, Villa Clara.
What kind of abuse is Morales Pereira facing in prison?
He is reportedly subjected to both physical and psychological abuse, including being beaten while handcuffed and pressured to chant political slogans against his will.
Is Alejandro Morales Pereira receiving the necessary medical care?
No, despite his mental health disorders requiring specialized care, the prison authorities have not provided him with the necessary medical attention.