Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has spoken out against the Cuban regime for imprisoning Jonathan David Muir Burgos, a 16-year-old held at the high-security Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila since March 16. Salazar's statement was a direct response to a propaganda effort by the regime, which displayed an image in the state-run media outlet Razones de Cuba showing the teenager playing the piano during a cultural event in prison, in an attempt to counter claims of his physical deterioration.
"The Cuban regime may attempt to sell the world any narrative it chooses, but we know exactly what it is," Salazar wrote. She described the regime as a "failed system crumbling under its own weight" and criticized its aggressive actions: "They arrest those who speak out, who protest, who pray. Even a 16-year-old, Jonathan Muir, has been behind bars since March 16."
Salazar ended with a stark warning: "When a regime targets children and faith, it shows not strength but desperation, and desperate regimes do not last."
The image of the piano shared by Razones de Cuba does not address any specific allegations made by the teenager's family. His father, evangelical pastor Elier Muir Ávila, has been explicit: "He is malnourished, losing more weight every day. He is very thin," warning that "his life is in danger."
In a desperate call to his father at 1:45 a.m. on April 23, the teenager pleaded, "Dad, please get me out of here, I can't take it anymore." He further expressed distress: "The bugs are hurting me again, they won't let me sleep, they bite me, infect my skin, and I feel like my brain can't take it anymore."
His mother, pastor Minervina Burgos López, described episodes of disorientation and vasovagal crises: "He has crises: he falls asleep and wakes up disoriented, can't remember where he is, can't orient himself properly."
Jonathan reportedly receives just one small meal a day, suffers from severe dyshidrosis, streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, and two untreated intestinal parasites. Arrested on March 16 for participating in protests in Morón against prolonged power outages and severe food shortages, he was moved to Canaleta, an adult prison, despite being a minor, and charged with sabotage—a crime that could lead to a sentence of seven to 15 years in prison.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has issued precautionary measures for the minor through Resolution 30/2026, citing risks of irreparable harm to his life, personal integrity, and health. The regime has not responded to a prior inquiry from the organization, sent on April 10.
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart reiterated on Tuesday his demand: "From the United States, we demand FREEDOM now for Jonathan David Muir Burgos! No minor should be pursued or jailed for raising their voice against a dictatorship."
According to Prisoners Defenders, Cuba recorded 1,250 political prisoners in March 2026, including 33 minors.
Key Issues Surrounding Jonathan David Muir Burgos' Imprisonment
Why is Jonathan David Muir Burgos imprisoned?
Jonathan David Muir Burgos was arrested for participating in protests against prolonged power outages and severe food shortages in Morón, Cuba. He has been charged with sabotage, a crime that could result in a prison sentence of seven to 15 years.
What are the conditions of Jonathan's imprisonment?
Jonathan is held in Canaleta, an adult high-security prison, where he reportedly suffers from malnourishment, severe dyshidrosis, infections, and untreated intestinal parasites. He receives only one small meal a day and is subjected to poor living conditions.
What has been the response from international organizations?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has issued precautionary measures for Jonathan, recognizing the potential for irreparable harm to his life and health. However, the Cuban regime has not responded to these measures.