Jonathan David Muir Burgos, a 16-year-old, has been held for over five weeks in the high-security Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila. His midnight calls to his family reveal a disturbing decline in both his physical and emotional state, which his relatives describe as torturous.
At 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, the young man reached out to his father, evangelical pastor Elier Muir Ávila, pleading from behind bars, "Dad, please, get me out of here, I can't take it anymore," he implored.
During that call, Jonathan vividly illustrated his plight: "Dad, I'm desperate to get out. The bedbugs are attacking me again, preventing me from sleeping, biting me, infecting my skin. I feel like my brain can't handle it anymore."
The teenager is provided only one small meal a day, around 4 p.m., served in a six to eight-ounce disposable cup, with no additional food until the following day. The supplies his family manages to send him are quickly depleted as he shares them with the five other inmates in his cell.
Jonathan suffers from severe dyshidrosis and infections from beta-hemolytic streptococcus and staphylococcus, which have weakened his immune system.
Two days post-arrest, on March 18, he was supposed to receive an Evertran injection for his immune system, a treatment that was never administered.
Prison authorities discovered two intestinal parasites, which also remain untreated, and he lacks access to basic hygiene items like soap.
His father painted a stark picture of his son's condition: "He's malnourished, losing more weight every day. He's become very thin."
Jonathan's arrest occurred on March 16 after attending a police summons with his father, following his involvement in the March 13 protests in Morón. These protests were sparked by power outages lasting over 26 hours daily and severe food shortages.
The Morón Municipal Prosecutor's Office ordered his provisional imprisonment on April 2, transferring him to Canaleta, an adult facility, on charges of sabotage.
Efforts to challenge his detention through habeas corpus and requests for a change in precautionary measures were denied by the Ciego de Ávila court.
The case has attracted increasing international scrutiny. The Center for Reporting and Defense (Defensa CD) formally alerted UNICEF, highlighting that Jonathan's detention conditions violate international standards for minors.
Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, contacted the family last Monday, assuring them that the U.S. government is striving for the teenager's release.
Spanish Popular Party MEP Raúl de la Hoz Quintano spoke out about the case on Thursday, joining Cuban-American congressmen Mario Díaz-Balart and Carlos Giménez, who have been advocating for Jonathan's freedom since last month.
Understanding Jonathan Muir's Imprisonment in Cuba
What led to Jonathan David Muir Burgos's arrest?
Jonathan was arrested on March 16 after attending a police summons with his father, following his participation in protests on March 13 in Morón, which were triggered by prolonged power outages and extreme food shortages.
What are the conditions of Jonathan's detention?
Jonathan is held in a high-security adult prison, receiving only one meal a day, and lacks access to basic hygiene. He suffers from severe health issues, including infections and malnutrition, without receiving necessary treatments.
What international actions have been taken regarding Jonathan's case?
The Center for Reporting and Defense notified UNICEF of Jonathan's situation. U.S. Embassy officials and European politicians have also expressed concern and are advocating for his release.