Political prisoner from the July 11th protests, Sissi Abascal Zamora, is experiencing serious health complications at Bellotex Women's Prison in Matanzas. Abascal, a member of the Ladies in White, is suffering from Bartholin's cyst, an inflammation of the Bartholin's glands. This condition occurs when the gland's ducts are blocked, leading to fluid accumulation and potentially resulting in a cyst or abscess in the vaginal area, as reported by her mother, Annia Zamora, also a Lady in White, to Martí Noticias.
"The hygiene conditions there are appalling. She needs anti-inflammatory treatment, among other things," Zamora emphasized. In addition, Sissi has been enduring pain from an ovarian cyst for months, a condition for which she also receives no medical attention.
The 27-year-old was scheduled for surgery last Tuesday, but prison healthcare staff announced on Thursday that the operation was postponed. "The prison doctor told her that it couldn't happen yet; she needs to consult with her professor to plan when it suits them—whether that be the doctor, the professor, State Security, Miguel Díaz-Canel, or whoever else—before Sissi can be taken to the clinic for surgery," her mother reported.
"Sissi is suffering from inflammation, infection, and pain, with no hygiene facilities and only the few pills I can bring her because they don't provide anything there," she lamented. Additionally, dental care is also neglected. "She had severe toothache and swelling, and they denied her medical attention. The prison administration hasn't authorized her visit to the clinic," Zamora stated.
"I hold Díaz-Canel, State Security, Marta Cristina Hernández Bacallao, the prison director, and the prison doctor responsible for my daughter's life," Zamora added.
Last June, La Bellotex Prison authorities denied parole to Abascal, the Lady in White and July 11th protester. This decision is part of a "systematic punishment policy for her stance of resistance within the prison," according to the NGO Cubalex. Zamora said the refusal was justified by alleged "negative behavior."
"The reason? Sissi refuses to participate in political activities, study, or work as a form of protest against her unjust imprisonment," she explained. In January, Abascal was denied any reduction in her sentence, maintaining her status as a "negative prisoner" within the facility.
"They only provide water at night, forcing them to bathe in dirty, cold water," her mother revealed, highlighting the inhumane conditions that include cold, hunger, and severe restrictions. Sissi Abascal was sentenced to six years in prison for contempt, assault, and public disorder.
She was arrested alongside fellow dissident Saily Navarro following their participation in the July 11, 2021 protests in Carlos Rojas, Matanzas, where they demanded democratic reforms and the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
Health and Legal Concerns for Political Prisoners in Cuba
What is Bartholin's cyst, and how does it affect prisoners like Sissi Abascal?
Bartholin's cyst is an inflammation of the Bartholin's glands, which can lead to fluid accumulation and potentially a cyst or abscess. It can cause significant discomfort and requires medical attention, which is often lacking in prison settings like Bellotex.
Why was Sissi Abascal denied parole and sentence reduction?
Sissi was denied parole and sentence reduction due to her refusal to participate in political activities, study, or work as a form of protest against her imprisonment, which authorities described as "negative behavior."
What were the charges against Sissi Abascal?
Sissi Abascal was sentenced to six years of imprisonment for charges of contempt, assault, and public disorder following her involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests in Matanzas.