According to reports from relatives and opposition groups, the five individuals who survived a maritime incident on February 25 near the coast of Villa Clara are currently detained under harsh conditions at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana. They have allegedly been subjected to death threats, as well as physical and psychological torture.
Maritza Lugo, a representative of the Democratic Party 30th of November "Frank País" Movement, told Martí Noticias that the detainees are isolated in cells known as "el 47," under constant surveillance and severe pressure.
"Their lives are in constant danger. They face death threats, are under constant watch, and endure relentless psychological pressure," the activist stated.
The Incident and Charges Against Survivors
The five men are part of a group of ten Cuban residents from Florida who arrived in Cuba by boat on February 25. They were intercepted by the Border Guard Troops near Cayo Falcones. During the operation, five people died: four in the initial shootout and a fifth succumbed to injuries days later.
Following the incident, Cuban authorities detained the survivors, who now face terrorism charges. These charges could result in sentences ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
Harsh Detention Conditions
Lugo described the detention conditions as particularly severe. The prisoners are reportedly held in dark, poorly ventilated cells with high temperatures and rodent infestations.
"These are inhumane conditions. No one should live like this anywhere in the world," she criticized.
Concerns Over Amijail Sánchez González's Health
Amijail Sánchez González's situation is especially concerning. The activist claims he was beaten during interrogations at Villa Marista, resulting in permanent injuries.
"He has a ruptured eardrum and can no longer hear on that side. He suffers from infections and severe headaches and has not received the medical attention he needs," Lugo reported.
The other detained individuals have been identified as Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, and Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara.
FBI Involvement and Cuban Government's Control
Lugo also criticized the Cuban authorities' role during a visit by FBI agents to the island on April 1 for a joint investigation into the incident, highlighting the unusual nature of this cooperation between the two countries.
According to her account, the survivors were never allowed to speak privately with the American investigators, as State Security agents were present during the interrogations.
"They were not permitted to have a private conversation with the FBI. They only answered a few questions, and when they tried to explain what truly happened, they were handcuffed and removed from the room," she stated.
These allegations align with previous reports suggesting that Cuban authorities maintained strict control over access to evidence and interviews conducted during the investigation.
While the regime claims the detainees were involved in a U.S.-organized operation, relatives and opposition groups assert they were ambushed by Cuban forces. Authorities have accused Maritza Lugo of being the mastermind behind the operation, an accusation she denies from Miami.
So far, the FBI has not released any public findings from their investigation.
Lugo is calling for the intervention of international organizations and human rights groups regarding the situation of the five survivors.
"We are urging the world to pay attention to what is happening in Cuba, especially inside the prisons," she concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cuban Maritime Incident
What happened during the maritime incident on February 25?
On February 25, a group of ten Cuban residents from Florida were intercepted by Cuban Border Guard Troops near Cayo Falcones. The encounter resulted in the deaths of five individuals.
What charges are the survivors facing?
The survivors have been charged with terrorism, which could lead to sentences ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
Why is there concern over the conditions of their detention?
The detainees are reportedly held under extreme conditions, including dark and poorly ventilated cells, constant surveillance, and threats to their lives, which human rights groups have deemed inhumane.
Has the FBI released any findings from their investigation?
As of now, the FBI has not publicly disclosed any conclusions from their investigation into the incident.