The condition of Cuban-German political prisoner Luis Frómeta Compte has significantly declined at the Combinado del Este maximum-security prison in Havana, as reported by his daughter, Janie Frómeta, on social media. The non-governmental organization Cubalex indicated that Frómeta Compte, aged 62, is suffering from a severe hypertensive crisis, with a blood pressure reading of 240/110, a critical level posing an imminent threat to his life.
Although he received an examination from a prison doctor and spent a night in the infirmary, his daughter stressed that this minimal attention is insufficient. She is urgently demanding his transfer to Germany for proper medical treatment. "Uncontrolled hypertension in a person deprived of freedom, without access to adequate medical care or decent living conditions, heightens the risk of fatal complications," warned Cubalex.
Holding German nationality, Frómeta Compte was sentenced to 25 years in prison on political charges of sedition, after filming videos that were subsequently shared on social media. In 2023, he suffered a severe beating, leading authorities to transport him to a hospital outside the prison due to the severity of his injuries.
His daughter questioned, "How much longer can he continue like this?" She made a fervent appeal to the international community to advocate for his release and ensure he can reunite with his family. Frómeta Compte is a key witness to the murder of Diubis Laurencio Tejeda during the demonstrations in La Güinera, Havana; the only recorded fatality due to the repression during the July 11 protests.
Recently, several cases of deaths and deteriorating health among political prisoners in Cuban jails have been reported. One notable case was the death of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas in December 2024 at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana. Activists and opposition organizations denounced his death as murder, alleging it resulted from torture while in custody.
Months earlier, Gerardo Díaz Alonso, sentenced to 14 years for his participation in the July 2021 protests, died of a heart attack. More recently, Yoleisy Oviedo Rodríguez, a 44-year-old political prisoner, died at the El Guatao Forced Labor Camp in Havana. Her death provoked international outcry, including a statement from the U.S. government labeling her death an "assassination at the hands of her captors."
Reports of the deteriorating health conditions of political prisoners are mounting. Among these reports is the case of Leoncio Rodríguez Ponce, who, after 36 years of imprisonment, is in poor health due to inadequate medical attention. Additionally, the mother of prisoner Eider Frómeta Allen reported in April 2024 on her son's critical health condition in Boniato prison, Santiago de Cuba, noting he has lost about 15 kilograms without receiving proper medical care.
These situations have stirred concern among international organizations and human rights advocates, who are demanding improvements in prison conditions and adequate medical care for inmates in Cuba.
Health Crisis Among Cuban Political Prisoners
What is causing the health crisis among political prisoners in Cuba?
The health crisis is largely due to inadequate medical care, poor living conditions, and neglect in Cuban prisons, which exacerbate existing health issues among political prisoners.
Who is advocating for the rights of Cuban political prisoners?
Organizations like Cubalex and international human rights activists are advocating for improved conditions and medical care for Cuban political prisoners.
What actions are being urged by the families of political prisoners?
Families of political prisoners are urging the international community to pressure the Cuban government for the release of these prisoners and to allow them access to proper medical treatment.