The untimely demise of 32-year-old Félix Lázaro Reinoso Rodríguez under questionable circumstances has sparked outrage among activists, family, and human rights observers both within Cuba and internationally. The incident was first reported on June 27 by the blog Cubains en liberté, which branded it as yet another crime by the Cuban regime. The allegation gained further traction when Alina Bárbara López Hernández, a Matanzas-based intellectual and professor, shared additional details on her social media platforms.
On the night of June 23, Félix Lázaro was apprehended at his home in Jovellanos, Matanzas Province. Witnesses and family statements cited in the blog indicate that a team of the National Revolutionary Police and State Security agents arrived during a blackout to arrest him on suspicions of purchasing automobile parts of dubious origin.
Three days later, his wife was urgently summoned to sign a contract with a lawyer. However, en route, she received a shocking call: Félix Lázaro had allegedly "escaped" from the Matanzas "Technical" facility. Both she and the deceased's aunt rushed to the State Security headquarters, where they were informed, in the lawyer's presence, that the detainee had slipped away during a night interrogation due to an "instructor's lapse."
The official narrative claims Félix fled towards the coast and jumped off nearby cliffs, resulting in his immediate death. His body was discovered hours later. However, photos circulated by family members and activists show a corpse with multiple bruises, hematomas, and signs of violence inconsistent with a mere fall.
Questioning the Official Account
Professor López Hernández, residing in Matanzas and frequently monitored by authorities, cast doubt on the alleged suicide. "It's unbelievable that State Security could be negligent at their central headquarters," she posted on Facebook. "I've protested peacefully in front of that building. It's inconceivable for someone to leave unnoticed from a place with a locked iron gate, a guard post, and agents constantly moving in and out."
López Hernández also revealed that Félix's family was barred from holding a wake in their hometown and were forced to conduct a swift, private funeral in Matanzas. The lack of transparency and the restrictions imposed by authorities have perpetuated the belief that this death occurred in custody, possibly due to mistreatment or torture.
"Let the whole world know what happened and how they are attempting to wash their hands," wrote Clau Rodríguez, the victim's cousin, on social media, sharing the distressing images of the body. The call for justice has been echoed by numerous individuals demanding an independent investigation to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. Independent journalist Alberto Arego highlighted the incident and the demand for "justice for a Cuban found dead after being detained by State Security."
A Rising Tide of Protests
This tragic event unfolds just days before the anniversary of July 11, a significant date marking the 2021 social upheaval across numerous Cuban cities. For many activists, the proximity of this date heightens tensions between the regime's repressive forces and may explain the institutional anxiety and resulting abuses.
Félix Lázaro Reinoso Rodríguez is now among the unfortunate list of Cubans who have died under shady circumstances while in state custody. Neither official censorship nor imposed narratives can silence the outcry for justice.
Family Disputes Official Story, Alleges Cover-Up
Speaking to CiberCuba, a cousin of the deceased—who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of repercussions—provided a detailed account that contradicts the official version and alleges that Félix Lázaro Reinoso Rodríguez was beaten to death by state agents, in what appears to be a clear case of power abuse and attempted cover-up.
"There are false reports accusing my cousin of being a suspect in another boy's murder and robbery. It's all a lie. He only bought car parts, unaware they were linked to a homicide case," she clarified.
According to the family source, Félix was arrested at 10:00 p.m. on June 23 during a blackout by agents who transferred him to the Technical Investigations Department (DTI) in Matanzas, citing "reception" of illicit automotive parts as the cause.
The situation worsened when Félix's maternal aunt, accompanied by a lawyer, attempted to visit him at the police station the following Wednesday. "They told her she couldn't see him without an appointment. When she suggested he might have been beaten, the head of Matanzas Technical confronted her and threatened detention if she continued," the cousin recounted.
On Thursday, as the family returned with the lawyer for an official meeting, they were informed of Félix's alleged "escape" due to an investigator's oversight. Twenty-four hours later, on Friday, the family was notified that his body was found in Matanzas Bay with visible signs of violence.
"They claimed he drowned with a 43-pound stone, as though he had committed suicide. But that stone wasn't present when we identified the body," she explained. A forensic doctor informed them that the corpse had been dead for over 48 hours, contradicting the official escape story on Thursday.
Most distressingly, the cousin noted, even though the family identified him, police insisted he be buried as "unknown," arguing he had lost fingerprints due to water exposure. "He was placed in a mass grave without a wake, without dignity, and with an absurd death certificate. It's clear he was beaten to death, and they staged this entire charade to cover it up."
A doctor close to the family, who reviewed the images of the body, confirmed that the signs did not align with drowning. "A drowning victim turns pale, not purple, and their eyes don't bulge. That happens from asphyxia," she asserted.
The family has retained legal counsel and pledges to pursue the matter to the fullest extent. "We're going all out. They must be held accountable. The more people know, the harder it will be for them to get away with it."
Key Questions on Cuban Custodial Deaths
What sparked outrage over Félix Lázaro Reinoso Rodríguez's death?
The suspicious circumstances of his death while in custody and visible signs of violence on his body have led to widespread condemnation and demands for justice.
How did authorities explain Félix's death?
Officials claimed he escaped custody and died after jumping into the sea, but this narrative is widely disputed by family and activists.
What actions are being taken by Félix's family?
The family has hired lawyers and is determined to seek justice, challenging the official account and bringing attention to possible state misconduct.