Dalvinder Singh Jagpal, an Indian national detained in Havana's largest maximum-security facility, the Combinado del Este, since November 2002, reported last Saturday that prison officials have escalated harassment against him for over a month. This includes nighttime searches, confiscation of his belongings, and the destruction of supplies sent by his daughter from abroad, as reported by CubaNet.
According to a phone call statement, from February 21 to March 27, Jagpal was isolated in solitary confinement as a "reprisal" for speaking to independent media.
On March 21 at 2:00 a.m., Lieutenant Colonel José Andrés de Valle—head of building 3—and a guard nicknamed "Rombo" entered his cell, forced him to undress and squat, and searched through his clothes and possessions.
The following night at 10:00 p.m., the guard Manuel Alejandro, known as "El Jaba'o," repeated the search in what the prisoner described as documented practices used against other inmates in the facility.
During this search, Jagpal reported the confiscation of his television remote, valued at $15, a device that foreign prisoners must purchase due to the lack of prison supplies.
Jagpal added that on April 9, once again in the early hours, officers conducted another search in his cell, repeating the procedure of undressing him and inspecting all his belongings, which he described as a systematic pattern of harassment.
Among the confiscated items were disposable razor blades, deodorant, cleaning products, personal materials, and medications.
Furthermore, he reported that several food items such as powdered milk, sugar, and coffee were opened and scattered on the floor by the officials, resulting in complete loss.
The inmate also noted that the faucet in his cell's bathroom was removed, causing flooding whenever the water supply is restored.
Throughout his detention, the Indian citizen has repeatedly claimed to be a victim of physical and psychological abuse, as well as a lack of consular assistance and support from the Indian Embassy to review his case.
Jagpal, who reportedly suffered from severe hypertension without receiving medication, has been incarcerated for over two decades in conditions that international organizations have labeled as inhumane.
He previously stated that he was sentenced to 10 years in prison "by conviction," without evidence or witnesses, after being linked to an incident at a residence where he was staying with others.
Key Issues Faced by International Prisoners in Cuba
What type of harassment has Dalvinder Singh Jagpal reported in prison?
Jagpal has reported nighttime searches, confiscation of belongings, destruction of supplies, and being forced to undress during inspections as forms of harassment.
How has the Indian Embassy responded to Jagpal's situation?
Jagpal has stated a lack of consular support or assistance from the Indian Embassy regarding his case.
What are the conditions like in the prison where Jagpal is held?
The conditions have been described as inhumane by international organizations, with reports of physical and psychological abuse.