On August 18, 2025, 18-year-old Antonio Rassi tragically passed away at the El Calvario Military Unit in Havana following an act of self-harm. This information was confirmed by sources close to his family to the independent outlet elTOQUE. The young recruit was mourned and laid to rest in the capital on Tuesday, yet the authorities continue to evade accountability for the deaths of young individuals during their Mandatory Military Service (SMO) obligations.
In recent years, the number of casualties linked to this enforced program has surged, attributed to accidents, untreated illnesses, suicides, or abuses within military units, as reported by the publication. Felix Alfredo González, whose son died while serving in 2021, revealed that at least seven young men have died between July and August 2025 during their military service.
González, a vocal critic of the SMO mandate, expressed to elTOQUE that Cuban authorities remain indifferent to calls for justice and restitution for the grieving families. "The government turns a deaf ear," stated González, who has tirelessly sought justice for his son's death.
Growing Concerns Over Forced Military Participation
The death of Antonio Rassi has reignited criticism against the Mandatory Military Service, a policy that has been in place since 1963. This policy has come under increasing scrutiny, especially as it has recently summoned even teenagers with severe health issues. In July, a young man from El Gabriel community in Quivicán, Mayabeque province, died while fulfilling his Active Military Service. Despite experiencing severe pain and physical discomfort for days, he did not receive appropriate medical care from the overseeing officers.
His parents' pleas to take him home as his condition worsened were denied, they claim. Various organizations and Cuban parents argue that the SMO has become a hazardous and abusive environment for adolescents and young adults, urging the state to abolish mandatory participation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Military Service Issues
Why is the Mandatory Military Service in Cuba criticized?
The Mandatory Military Service in Cuba has been criticized for endangering the lives of young recruits through accidents, neglect, and abuse. The rising number of deaths and the government's lack of accountability have fueled public discontent.
What are the recent incidents related to Cuba's military service?
Recent incidents include the deaths of multiple young recruits, such as Antonio Rassi, due to self-harm, neglect, and lack of medical attention. These events have highlighted the risks associated with the military service.
How is the Cuban government responding to these criticisms?
The Cuban government has largely ignored the criticisms and demands for justice from families and organizations. There has been little to no official acknowledgment or steps taken to address these issues.