Jenni Taboada, the mother of Cuban political prisoner Duannis Dabel León Taboada, staged a protest outside the Combinado del Este prison in Havana this Thursday after being denied access to visit her son, who has been on a hunger strike for over a week. "I declare myself planted outside the Combinado del Este penitentiary until they allow me a personal encounter with my son," she announced during a live broadcast on social media.
Duannis, aged 24, received a 14-year prison sentence for his involvement in the anti-government protests on July 11, 2021. According to his mother, he is extremely weak, has not received medical care, and has been on a hunger strike since July 10 to protest his incarceration conditions. "His life is more important than anything in this world. He is unjustly imprisoned," Taboada declared. She pleaded to be allowed to try to persuade her son to end the hunger strike: "Let me try to save my son," she implored.
In statements released by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH), Jenni tearfully shared her anguish: “My little boy is good, they have him as a hostage. They don't let me see him, they don't let me do anything.” The mother learned of the hunger strike three days after it began and has since faced evasive responses from authorities.
Duannis's medical condition is considered critical. Organizations like the OCDH and the Cultural Rights Observatory have warned of his previous kidney problems, which increase the life-threatening risk posed by prolonged starvation.
The sedition sentence he faces was initially 21 years but was reduced to 14 after an appeals process. He was accused of allegedly damaging a police patrol, although his family insists he only exercised his right to peacefully protest.
The mother has held the Cuban state responsible for her son's well-being. Duannis León Taboada's case symbolizes, for many Cubans, the face of a youth that spoke out against the regime and ended up behind bars. It is also the story of a mother who, despite her pain and fear, continues to fight to save her son.
Key Questions About Duannis Dabel León Taboada's Situation
What prompted Duannis Dabel León Taboada's imprisonment?
Duannis was imprisoned for participating in anti-government protests on July 11, 2021, and was accused of damaging a police patrol, though his family asserts he was peacefully demonstrating.
Why is Duannis's life considered at risk?
His life is in danger due to a hunger strike he initiated on July 10 and pre-existing kidney problems, which are exacerbated by the lack of nutrition.
How has the Cuban government responded to Jenni Taboada?
Jenni Taboada has faced evasive responses from authorities and has been denied access to see her son during his hunger strike.