Minervina Burgos López, the mother of Jonathan David Muir Burgos, a young Cuban political prisoner, has made an urgent appeal to the global community through the NTN24 program "La Noche." She is calling for the immediate release of her 16-year-old son, who has been held in the high-security Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila since March 16.
Jonathan and his father, evangelical pastor Elier Muir Ávila, were arrested after attending a police summons following their participation in the Morón protests, which erupted due to prolonged power outages lasting over 26 hours daily. The regime accuses Jonathan of sabotage—a charge carrying a prison sentence of seven to 15 years—because he took to the streets demanding "freedom" and the restoration of electricity services.
"I urge anyone who can help us, from the depths of my heart, to please do something to get my boy out of that place," Minervina pleaded on NTN24.
Minervina shared that her son frequently begs her, saying, "Please get me out of here, mom. I can't stand being in this place."
Health Concerns in Detention
Jonathan suffers from severe dyshidrosis, a chronic skin condition that led to generalized sepsis in 2021. Stress exacerbates his condition, affecting his hands, feet, and other body parts. Minervina noted that his health is declining in prison, where she can only visit him every 15 days, and he has also experienced episodes of diarrhea.
"He is very sad and anxious, partly due to his illness, which is deteriorating in that place," his mother stated.
Denied Medical Attention and Propaganda Campaign
The teenager has a medical appointment scheduled in Washington D.C. for May 20, but the regime is preventing him from attending. Additionally, he was supposed to start Hebertrans treatment two days after his arrest, which he has not received.
Alongside his physical deterioration, the regime launched a propaganda campaign. The official media outlet Razones de Cuba released images of Jonathan playing a keyboard in prison with the message "The piano doesn't lie. And Jonathan... there he is, safe and sound." Cubadebate also circulated AI-manipulated photos showing Jonathan in intimate situations with an unknown man, which the family denounced as fabricated and were later removed by the outlet.
"They showed him with a man we don't know, and my child doesn't know him either. We know it was a staged fabrication," Minervina denounced.
The mother explained the aim of this campaign: "They are trying to discredit us and make the public believe that the boy is not sick, that he is happy and content there, which is not true."
Cubalex condemned the revictimization of Jonathan and the use of his image without consent as a severe violation of his rights as a minor.
International Response and Calls for Release
On April 20, Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. mission in Cuba, held a video call with Jonathan's father to express the Trump administration's concern: "We are worried about him, he has our support, and we will see what we can do to secure his release." Hammer also publicly stated that "in any civilized society, freedom of expression is not a crime" and that Jonathan "should be released immediately."
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights granted precautionary measures to Jonathan on April 24 through Resolution 30/2026, recognizing the risk to his life, personal integrity, and health. Cuba did not respond to the prior request sent on April 10.
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart warned on Wednesday that the regime would be held accountable if anything happens to the young man, demanding his immediate release.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jonathan David Muir Burgos's Imprisonment
Why was Jonathan David Muir Burgos arrested?
Jonathan was arrested, along with his father, for participating in protests against prolonged power outages in Morón, Cuba. The regime accuses him of sabotage for his actions during the protests.
What health issues is Jonathan facing in prison?
Jonathan suffers from severe dyshidrosis, a chronic skin condition that worsens with stress. His health is deteriorating in prison, and he has experienced additional health problems such as diarrhea.
What has been the international response to Jonathan's imprisonment?
International responses include expressions of concern from the U.S. mission in Cuba and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which granted precautionary measures due to risks to his health and safety.