The grieving mother of young Cuban, Antonio Rassi Roque, who tragically died on August 18, 2025, while serving his compulsory military service at El Calvario Military Unit in Havana, has publicly spoken out. Following a meeting with high-ranking military officials, she demanded the removal of First Lieutenant Aldo, the political officer of Unit 5050, whom she holds accountable for her son's death.
On November 19, responding to her request, she met with the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, including the head of the Western Army Staff, the chief of the Territorial Military Prosecutor's Office, and the political officer of the Western Army. They assured her that Antonio Rassi’s case is under investigation and promised full "transparency."
During this encounter, the mother insisted that the investigation's findings include the permanent dismissal of First Lieutenant Aldo, the political officer responsible for Unit 5050.
Allegations of Cover-Up and Harassment
The mother’s accusations are supported by soldiers' accounts, who, on the same day of her son's death, overheard instructions given to those leaving the mess hall to remain silent and not let any information leak outside the unit. She claims the army’s political officer admitted the truth of this directive, reinforcing her demand for an inclusive review of witness statements that implicate Aldo as the primary source of pressure on her son.
After persistent efforts, the mother was finally able to confront Unit Commander Captain Ricardo Martínez and First Lieutenant Aldo directly. She described the encounter as "deeply distressing," expressing her disgust at having to face the officer she blames for her son’s demise. "It was revolting and infuriating to stand near someone so despicable and abusive as you were to Antonio," she wrote, addressing the political officer.
A Mother's Determined Fight for Justice
She accuses Aldo of daily harassment that severely impacted her son's mental health. Despite completing his guard duties on August 18, Antonio was told his leave scheduled for July 21 was revoked and that he could only leave on August 19 to return the following day. This news led to a heated verbal altercation, during which Aldo allegedly yelled, "Soldier, stand at attention!" in front of other soldiers, an abuse of power that she finds intolerable.
The mother vows to persist in her efforts until Aldo is removed from his position and has demanded a direct investigation into his actions by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
She laments that her 18-year-old son never had the chance to attend university or enjoy life, leaving behind a "devastated" family and a mother mourning a child she will never see again.
Her plea extends to the head of the Western Army, identified as Feijóo, urging him not to allow Aldo to remain in his role, along with expressing her dissatisfaction with Captain Ricardo Martínez, the unit commander.
Wider Implications and Systemic Issues
The circumstances surrounding Antonio Rassi’s death have been reported by the independent outlet elTOQUE, which confirmed, through family sources, that the young man took his own life by self-harm within El Calvario Military Unit in Havana.
Antonio was mourned and buried in the capital, yet, according to the publication, the authorities continue to evade accountability for the deaths of young recruits during military service.
The tragedy of Rassi’s death is part of a broader pattern, with other recruits dying in recent years due to accidents, untreated illnesses, suicides, and alleged abuses in military units.
Félix Alfredo González, father of another recruit who died in 2021, claims that seven young men died between July and August 2025 while serving. González, a vocal critic of the compulsory military service, argues that the authorities fail to provide justice or reparations to the families, stating, "The government turns a deaf ear," in his repeated denunciations.
The case of Antonio Rassi has intensified criticism against the Compulsory Military Service, in place since 1963, and has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and families of recruits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antonio Rassi's Case
What are the main accusations against First Lieutenant Aldo?
First Lieutenant Aldo is accused of being directly responsible for the death of Antonio Rassi due to his alleged harassment and abuse of power, which reportedly led to significant mental distress for Rassi.
How did the military authorities respond to the mother's accusations?
The military authorities assured the mother that Antonio Rassi’s case is under investigation and promised transparency, but they have not yet taken responsibility for his death.
What impact has Antonio Rassi's death had on the debate about compulsory military service in Cuba?
The death of Antonio Rassi has intensified criticism against Cuba's compulsory military service, sparking renewed calls from human rights organizations and families for reform or abolition of the policy.