The Cuban government marked the 65th anniversary of its prison system with a political and cultural event led by Miguel Díaz-Canel. This celebration comes at a time when independent organizations report worsening prison conditions, deaths in custody, malnutrition, and a record number of political prisoners.
During the ceremony in Havana, authorities portrayed Cuban prisons as a "fair and humane" achievement, according to the state-run newspaper, Granma.
Raúl Castro sent a congratulatory letter to prison system workers, read by the Interior Minister, Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas. The letter praised their "sacrifice, commitment, and dedication" in transforming the horrors once present in Cuban prisons before the Revolution's triumph.
Díaz-Canel awarded the "Medal for Security and Internal Order," Second Class, to five officials from the Directorate of Penitentiary Establishments. Other employees and retirees were also recognized.
The Reality Behind the Celebrations
Brigadier General Abelardo Jiménez González, head of the Directorate, claimed that "prisons are schools—not perfect, not finished, but schools where teaching and learning occur." He maintained that the penitentiary system complies with Cuban laws and international treaties signed by Havana.
However, the celebration coincides with numerous reports about the harsh conditions faced by inmates.
Prisoners Defenders reported 1,339 political prisoners in Cuba as of the end of August, the highest number recorded by the organization since the July 11, 2021 protests. Among them, 463 suffered from severe health issues, linked by the NGO to malnutrition, mistreatment, and lack of medical care.
Alarming Reports of Deaths and Arrests
Deaths in custody are another major concern in the penitentiary system. In August, Cubalex documented 19 deaths under state custody due to lack of or negligent medical care in 2026.
The organization highlighted a particularly dire situation at El Típico prison in Las Tunas, where four deaths were recorded. Among them was Yoandry Cutiño Oliva, 34, who stood about 1.78 meters tall and weighed only 32 kilograms at the time of his death.
Complaints extend beyond prison conditions. Cubalex documented 219 arbitrary summonses by August 2026, warning these could initiate a chain of events starting with a police summons, followed by interrogations, threats, or detentions, sometimes culminating in legal proceedings or imprisonment.
One example is activist Lumey Guzmán Fernández, who attended a police summons in July in Alamar, Havana, and was detained. She was later transferred to Cojímar police station and then to the Western Women's Prison, known as El Guatao. She was released on bail at the end of August and must continue her legal proceedings from home.
In addition to concerns about food and healthcare, there are also reports of forced labor within the prison system. A 2025 report estimated that at least 60,000 inmates were subjected to forced labor, mainly in activities related to tobacco and marabú charcoal production.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Prison System
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
As of August, there were 1,339 political prisoners in Cuba, with many facing severe health issues due to poor conditions.
How are prison conditions affecting inmates' health in Cuba?
Inmates suffer from malnutrition, mistreatment, and lack of medical care, leading to severe health issues and even deaths in custody.
What reports exist about forced labor in Cuban prisons?
A report from 2025 estimated that at least 60,000 prisoners were forced to work, primarily in tobacco and marabú charcoal production.