Yordanis Nieves Méndez, a 19-year-old Cuban youth who desperately pleaded for a humanitarian visa after medical negligence left him bedridden and in critical health, passed away this Monday morning.
The influencer known as Paparazzi Cubano, who had been helping and staying in touch with Yordanis and his mother, confirmed to CiberCuba that after several days in severe condition, the young man died at six in the morning on August 12 "due to lack of medical attention and negligence."
The young man was mourned at the Arroyo Naranjo Funeral Home.
"I feel so much sorrow for not being able to save you. Today Yordanis passed away in the morning. I did everything I could to bring him to the United States to receive the medical treatment he needed. It hurts deeply not to fulfill my promise to him," wrote lawyer Miguel Inda-Romero on Instagram from Florida.
The attorney added that, unfortunately, the process for granting humanitarian visas is very lengthy and, in his opinion, unfair.
The Tragic Story of Yordanis Nieves
The case of Yordanis Nieves first gained attention on social media in early June. He had been bedridden for two years and living in inhumane conditions due to a medical error during surgery in Cuba after he suffered an accident.
The botched procedure left him with a gastric tube and extreme thinness. In addition to the inability to receive proper treatment to restore his health, his family also faced food shortages and poverty.
"I am asking the world for help. Please don't let me die here, a 19-year-old boy, don't leave me in this prison," he pleaded in an emotional video that went viral on social media.
"I have no freedom; free me, please, I beg you. Be humane and help me, I am asking and begging not on my knees because I can't move them, but still..." he added.
"I need you to help me and not let me die here, please, I ask you. Get me out of this prison, this jail," the young man repeated.
Tragically, although he received some help, the humanitarian visa did not arrive in time, as has happened in numerous cases in recent years in Cuba.
Understanding the Humanitarian Visa Process for Cubans
This section addresses common questions regarding the humanitarian visa process for Cubans, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals like Yordanis Nieves.
What is a humanitarian visa?
A humanitarian visa is a type of visa granted to individuals who need urgent medical care or are in life-threatening situations, allowing them temporary entry into another country for treatment or safety.
Why is the process for obtaining a humanitarian visa so lengthy?
The process is lengthy due to bureaucratic procedures, security checks, and the need to verify the urgency and legitimacy of each case. This can unfortunately delay critical assistance.
How can individuals help those in need of humanitarian visas in Cuba?
Individuals can help by raising awareness, donating to verified organizations, and advocating for faster and more efficient visa processes for those in dire need.