In a tragic incident at Boniato maximum-security prison in Santiago de Cuba, 25-year-old Cuban inmate Abraham Carmenates Hervás passed away in the early hours of Thursday. He reportedly suffered an epileptic seizure, and his family claims that he was deprived of the necessary medical care.
Carmenates had a known diagnosis of epilepsy and endured frequent seizures. Despite this, while he was occasionally taken to the Provincial Hospital, prison authorities insisted on returning him to the facility, disregarding his fragile health condition.
The family had repeatedly sought a compassionate release due to his health issues, but the medical commission deemed him "fit" to remain incarcerated, as reported by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook. A relative recounted that after his last seizure, Carmenates was administered medication and left unattended on the prison floor without any medical supervision, ultimately being discovered lifeless. The incident reportedly took place on the night of August 8.
No official report has been released regarding the cause of death. Tragically, Carmenates leaves behind a six-week-old son whom he was unable to legally register before his demise.
This case underscores the systemic deficiencies within the Cuban prison system, where sick inmates are routinely denied basic care and subjected to what families and activists describe as inhumane conditions. Human rights organizations highlight that such deaths are symptomatic of a broader pattern of neglect and institutional abandonment in the nation's jails.
According to a report by the Mexico City-based Initiative for Research and Advocacy, formerly known as Justicia 11J, 24 individuals died in Cuban state custody between January and June. The report notes that at least eight of these deaths were directly attributed to the deliberate denial of medical attention, a frequently reported form of mistreatment within the island's prisons.
Understanding Cuba's Prison Healthcare System
What led to the death of Abraham Carmenates Hervás?
Abraham Carmenates Hervás died after suffering an epileptic seizure in prison. Allegations suggest he did not receive adequate medical care, leading to his untimely death.
How many deaths have occurred in Cuban prisons recently?
Between January and June, 24 people reportedly died in Cuban custody, with at least eight deaths linked to the denial of medical care.
What is the response from human rights organizations?
Human rights groups have condemned these deaths as evidence of systemic neglect and abuse within the Cuban prison system.