Pastor Elier Muir Ávila has accused the state-run media outlet Razones de Cuba of using images of his son, Jonathan David Muir Burgos, a 16-year-old detained at Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila, to fabricate a narrative portraying him as healthy while incarcerated. The pastor described this as a blatant act of manipulation.
The platform shared a photograph on Facebook showing Jonathan in front of a musical keyboard, with the caption "Minor Jonathan Muir seen playing piano during cultural event in prison," and added, "The piano doesn't lie. The photo is there. And Jonathan... he's there, safe and sound, with his hands over the keys." This display was the Cuban regime's response to the family's allegations regarding his declining health.
In an audio obtained by CubaNet, Muir Ávila dismissed this portrayal, accusing the authorities of deceiving his son to capture the images. "They used him, took his photo, recorded video, even documented his blood type for these heinous acts. I denounce all of them, including the prison authorities," he stated.
Deceptive Promises and False Narratives
According to the pastor, Jonathan was promised "a day of visitation as a reward" for playing the piano in front of other inmates, which he condemned as a "big lie" and "utter falsehood."
The pastor emphasized that the operation aims to paint his son "in a derogatory light as a delinquent, a vandal, a criminal." He pleaded, "I urge the entire world to not allow such injustice, my son is not a criminal; he is a very sick teenager who needs to be released immediately for treatment."
International Attention and Urgent Appeals
The weight of this accusation is compounded by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which had previously cautioned about this tactic. In its resolution granting precautionary measures for the minor on April 24, the commission indicated that authorities might have recorded images of Jonathan "supposedly to create a public narrative that distorts the reality of his detention conditions."
Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego labeled the publication as part of "the Cuban state's disinformation strategy," asserting firmly, "Jonathan Muir shouldn't be 'playing piano' in an adult prison. He should be at home with his family, just like all Cuban political prisoners."
Jonathan was detained on March 16 after participating in Morón protests spurred by prolonged power outages exceeding 26 hours daily and severe food shortages. He was moved to Canaleta, a maximum-security adult prison, on April 1 without notifying his family, facing sabotage charges, which could result in a seven to 15-year prison sentence.
The Health and Safety Concerns
On April 25, his mother reported that Jonathan suffers from vasovagal syncope, causing him to "pass out and wake up disoriented, unaware of his surroundings." U.S. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart also demanded the young man's release, declaring, "No minor should be persecuted or imprisoned for raising their voice against a dictatorship."
The IACHR identified a "situation of seriousness and urgency" with a risk of irreparable harm to the minor's rights and required the Cuban regime to report on actions taken within 15 days. Cuba has yet to respond to the previous request sent by the organization on April 10.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jonathan Muir's Situation
What are the charges against Jonathan Muir?
Jonathan Muir is accused of sabotage, which could lead to a prison sentence ranging from seven to 15 years.
How did the Cuban regime use images of Jonathan Muir?
The regime used images of Jonathan playing the piano to construct a narrative that portrays him as healthy and safe in prison, despite his family's claims of his deteriorating health.
What is the role of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in this case?
The IACHR has issued a resolution for precautionary measures in favor of Jonathan, highlighting the potential risk of irreparable harm to his rights and urging the Cuban government to address his situation.