On the morning of December 24, while many Cuban families were preparing for Christmas Eve celebrations, Alfredo González made his way back to the resting place of his son, Annier, who passed away in July 2021.
This was no ordinary visit. González stood by the grave of his son—who took his own life while serving in the military—using the moment to condemn the military authorities and the Cuban government for the pattern of abuse, negligence, and impunity that has claimed the lives of countless young people.
"Today, I can't be at home with my son like before; instead, I spend it here," he said, overwhelmed by grief.
From that site, the father expressed how festive occasions have ceased to be a time of joy for his family and many others enduring similar pain.
The Impact on Families
"How many families are there today like mine, without a celebration, without anything, like we always used to have? We've lost all of that," he lamented.
González directly blamed the top brass of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) for his son's death and those of other young men.
He criticized the behavior of generals and officers, accusing them of bearing "stars on their shoulders" that, in his view, represent the lives of young men lost under a system meant to protect them.
"Each star is a dead child, not due to an invasion, but because of those who were supposed to care for them," he asserted.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
In his remarks, González harshly criticized the Cuban government and its political project, which he claims has turned adolescents into "cannon fodder."
He pointed out that Cuba is not in a state of war that would justify the continued deaths of young people aged 17 to 20 during military service.
"Not everyone has political awareness nor should be enslaved. These are children who shouldn't be handling firearms," he emphasized.
He also recalled a public statement by leader Miguel Díaz-Canel about the incompatibility of teenagers and weapons, questioning why this principle doesn't apply to those conscripted into mandatory military service.
"You care for outsiders, but not for those inside," he rebuked.
González reiterated that he seeks not revenge but justice. He vowed to persist in demanding clear explanations from the highest authorities.
He announced that if the ongoing review process doesn't conclude satisfactorily, he will sit in front of the Council of State, demanding an audience with Díaz-Canel or the Minister of the FAR.
"They might arrest me, but they'll have to release me, and I will return there again," he warned.
Challenging the Political System
González also directed sharp criticism at the Cuban political system, accusing it of fostering mediocrity within its institutions and embittering the lives of thousands of families.
"I don't see a family at peace when their child goes into military service," he said, highlighting the constant fear parents face under a system that continues to claim young lives.
González has stated that his son's death and the treatment he received during his time in military institutions are part of a pattern of abusive practices that have not been eradicated.
In August, he reported that Annier had been subjected to physical punishment, humiliation, and medical negligence during his training at the Provincial School of the Ministry of the Interior in Matanzas, leading to his eventual suicide after enduring constant harassment.
Since then, the father has reported irregularities in the investigations, mistreatment by Ministry of the Interior officials, and limitations on his right to defend himself in judicial processes.
He claims that the prosecution and courts have committed omissions and that even his lawyer was coerced, while other parties were allowed to intervene without restrictions.
Although the National Assembly of People's Power advised him to pursue ordinary judicial channels, González insists that his case has been referred back to the same entities he denounces, without any clarification of the events.
Since Annier's death in 2021, González has become one of the most vocal critics of mandatory military service in Cuba.
Through social media, letters, and videos, he has voiced grievances that have resonated with other families, forming groups like the Facebook page "No More Victims in Cuban Military Service," where similar experiences are shared.
His activism has also led to legal consequences.
In July, he was arrested after publicly accusing an officer of the mistreatment his son suffered.
Although initially charged with contempt, he was released under precautionary measures, and the case that prompted his complaints remains unresolved.
On December 24, his message once again spotlighted the Cuban government's lack of transparency, absence of accountability, and persistence in practices that continue to take the lives of teenagers.
"My son wasn't a dog, and neither am I," he concluded, reaffirming his determination to continue seeking justice.
Addressing the Crisis of Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
What prompted Alfredo González to visit his son's grave on December 24?
Alfredo González visited his son's grave to mourn his loss and publicly denounce the Cuban military and government for their role in a system he believes has claimed many young lives, including his son's.
What are González's main criticisms of the Cuban government regarding military service?
González criticizes the Cuban government for its lack of transparency, accountability, and the continuation of mandatory military service, which he argues unnecessarily endangers the lives of young people.
How has Alfredo González's activism impacted his legal standing?
His activism has led to legal repercussions, including an arrest in July after publicly accusing an officer of mistreating his son. Although charged with contempt, he was later released under certain conditions.