Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro, recently took to Instagram to express his views on the case of Jonathan David Muir Burgos, a 16-year-old detained in Cuba for his involvement in the March 13 protests in Morón.
In a fleeting Instagram story, Sandro Castro acknowledged the injustice of the young man's situation and urged authorities to address his health concerns. "Perhaps due to his youth, he didn't fully grasp the consequences of his actions, but the resulting punishment is neither fair nor appropriate for someone his age," remarked the Cuban influencer and entrepreneur.
Castro specifically called for concern over the teenager's health, sharing empathy for the boy's family: "I also feel the pain of his parents, his relatives; it is a very tough and painful moment for them as it is for him. I hope they can be reunited soon."
While expressing sympathy, Castro's statement stops short of demanding the boy's release or addressing the severe detention conditions reported by the family.
This statement follows the launch of his new initiative, NotiSandro, announced on April 27, and his comments on the detention of mixed martial artist Javier "Spiderman" Martín Gutiérrez, which were similarly vague. Castro hoped "nothing bad happens to him," without mentioning that the athlete is held at Villa Marista, the headquarters of the Cuban political police.
Jonathan David was apprehended on March 16, 2026, after attending a police summons with his father in Morón, following his participation in protests sparked by power outages exceeding 26 hours daily and extreme food shortages.
The Morón Municipal Prosecutor's Office charged him with sabotage, a crime carrying sentences of seven to 15 years, and he was transferred to Canaleta, a high-security adult prison in Ciego de Ávila, despite being a minor.
His health is in a dire state. The boy receives only one small serving of food per day, suffers from severe malnutrition, streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, two untreated intestinal parasites, and bedbug infestations. In a desperate 1:45 a.m. call to his father on April 23, he pleaded: "Dad, please get me out of here, I can't take it anymore."
Last Wednesday, the pro-regime outlet Razones de Cuba released an image of the boy playing piano during a cultural activity in prison, seemingly to discredit the family's allegations.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights granted precautionary measures to Jonathan through Resolution 30/2026 on April 24, citing risk of irreversible harm to his life, personal integrity, and health. The Cuban regime has yet to respond to the request sent to Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
Cuban-American Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart demanded the teenager's immediate release last Tuesday: "No minor should be persecuted, jailed, or intimidated for raising their voice against a dictatorship."
Key Questions on the Detention of Jonathan David Muir Burgos
What are the charges against Jonathan David Muir Burgos?
Jonathan David Muir Burgos has been charged with sabotage by the Morón Municipal Prosecutor's Office, facing potential sentences of seven to 15 years in prison.
What is the current state of health of Jonathan David Muir Burgos?
Jonathan is in a critical condition, suffering from severe malnutrition, infections, and untreated intestinal parasites, receiving inadequate nutrition while detained in a high-security adult prison.
What actions have been taken by international organizations?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has issued precautionary measures to protect Jonathan, highlighting the risk of irreversible harm to his life and health.
Has the Cuban government responded to the international call for action?
As of now, the Cuban government has not responded to the request from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to address Jonathan's situation.