The young Cuban political prisoner, Duannis Dabel León Taboada, aged 24, has been moved to a solitary confinement cell shortly after ending a 12-day hunger strike on Tuesday at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana. This situation was confirmed on Facebook by his mother, Jenni M. Taboada, who, after days of protesting outside the prison, was finally able to visit him and received the news of his punishment with deep outrage.
"Why on earth is my son in solitary confinement now? I've had enough, damn it!" she expressed in distress on social media.
Duannis, sentenced to 14 years behind bars for his involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests (known as 11J), decided to end his strike after his family, particularly his mother, was able to visit and persuade him to prioritize his life while still demanding justice.
"Duannis will live, but he continues to demand freedom," wrote activists from the Las Taniadas profile, who have closely followed his case.
Despite his gesture of openness and the serious health decline he experienced after more than 10 days without food, the authorities retaliated by moving him to an isolation cell as a disciplinary action. During his hunger strike, Duannis was hospitalized in the prison's infirmary in a critical state. Previous reports indicate that a guard attempted to intimidate him with a baseball bat, demanding he end the fast.
Family's Struggle and State Intimidation
The family reported that the State Security attempted to downplay his health condition, claiming over the phone that "the tests were normal," a version the relatives completely reject. Jenni Taboada had previously staged a protest outside the prison, pleading to see her son: "He is unjustly imprisoned. Let me try to save him. His life is more important than anything in this world."
The punishment he now faces after yielding to his mother's pleas is seen by activists as a cruel and unfounded reprisal, a frequent practice in the Cuban penitentiary system against prisoners of conscience.
Common Inquiries About Cuban Political Prisoners
What led to Duannis Dabel León Taboada’s imprisonment?
Duannis was sentenced to 14 years in prison due to his participation in the protests on July 11, 2021, demanding greater freedoms and rights in Cuba.
How did the authorities respond to Duannis ending his hunger strike?
After ending his hunger strike, Duannis was placed in solitary confinement as a punitive measure, despite his critical health condition.
How has the family reacted to Duannis’ treatment in prison?
His family, particularly his mother, Jenni M. Taboada, has expressed outrage and desperation over his treatment, continuously advocating for his well-being and release.