Alfredo González, a dedicated activist and father to the late Annier González, has publicly condemned the mistreatment his son endured while serving in the Obligatory Military Service (OMS) in Cuba. Annier's tragic story unfolded at the Provincial School of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Matanzas, where he faced severe abuse during his brief tenure.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, González detailed the relentless maltreatment Annier suffered. Within just ten days, Annier was subjected to harsh physical punishments, verbal degradation, and a toxic environment created by both officers and peers. "For yawning during assembly, he was forced to run for over half an hour; laughing when a boy fell from his bed got him push-ups in water; and fetching a guava from the dorm led to more physical punishment," his father recounted.
The young man was also compelled to crawl through mud, was denied medical care for injuries, and constantly demeaned with derogatory language from the officers, like being told “I don’t want sluts in the infirmary.” One of the most distressing disclosures from González was that his son, overwhelmed by the harassment, once voiced thoughts of retaliation during a shooting drill, sparking fear among fellow recruits. Shortly afterward, Annier took his own life.
“It took my son’s death to stop this madness,” lamented González, highlighting that despite alleged reforms in the Armed Forces, such abusive practices persist. “They claim these things no longer happen, but my son had to die for it to end,” he sorrowfully expressed.
In July, Alfredo González was detained in Matanzas after accusing an officer on social media as a direct perpetrator of his son’s mistreatment. Though initially charged with contempt and faced with a 5,000-peso bail, he was eventually released under precautionary measures. “They let me go with a warning. I was first accused of contempt, and it seemed like I’d end up in the same facility where my son died. Thank you to everyone who supported me,” he shared on Facebook.
Activism Against Military Abuse
Since his son's death in 2021, González has become a prominent figure in the fight against Cuba's Obligatory Military Service. Through various platforms, including posts, letters, and videos, he has vocally condemned the abuse and negligence rampant within the Cuban military system—a topic often kept under wraps on the island.
González’s Facebook group, “No More VICTIMS in Cuba's Military Service,” has provided a crucial forum for families to share similar experiences, revealing a troubling pattern of institutional abuse against young recruits.
Growing Opposition to Cuba's Military Draft
This incident is part of a broader wave of reports on abuse, mishaps, and fatalities under the OMS. Recently, CiberCuba highlighted another case from Guantánamo, where a recruit was forced to bear a heavy blue barrel on his head under military orders. Another disturbing video from San José depicted a teenager being kicked and made to squat with weights, a blatant display of institutional violence.
These incidents, along with Annier González's heartbreaking story, have intensified the discourse on the legality, morality, and necessity of Cuba's Obligatory Military Service, especially in a setting where many young individuals are enlisted without proper training, oversight, or protection from mistreatment.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuba's Military Abuse
What led to Annier González's tragic death?
Annier González was subjected to severe abuse and humiliation during his military service, leading him to take his own life.
How has Alfredo González responded to his son's death?
Alfredo González has become an outspoken activist against the Obligatory Military Service in Cuba, sharing his son’s story and advocating for reform.
What actions have been taken against the officers involved?
Despite accusations, there has been no significant action reported against the officers responsible for the abuse.