The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer has publicly condemned yet another instance of abuse and arrogance within Cuba's penitentiary system under the communist regime.
In a video released on social media, Ferrer exposed an officer named Lieutenant Colonel Orlando Fernández Fernández, also known as Landy, who serves as the deputy head of the Canaletas Prison in Ciego de Ávila province.
The officer refused to accept food packages brought by a group of Cuban women, presumed to be relatives of the inmates, for their loved ones in the prison.
The footage captures the officer warning the women with a menacing tone: "I would prefer you not make this difficult. I don't know who has brought packages before, but I'm telling you they won't pass. I don't want to make this difficult because I'll call the police, and they'll deal with you here. I also don't want to complicate the situation of your relatives inside (the prison)."
The video shared by Ferrer highlights a common scenario in Cuban penitentiaries, where the families of both political and common prisoners frequently face restrictions and humiliation from prison authorities.
The opposition leader pinned the blame on Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime for allowing such abusive behavior, while also criticizing the widespread corruption within the prison system.
High-ranking officials enjoy numerous privileges in prisons, and corruption is rampant across all the country's correctional facilities.
Ferrer mentioned that he currently lacks specific information about Lieutenant Colonel Orlando Fernández Fernández's activities but doesn't rule out providing details of alleged misconduct involving him in the future.
He asserted that many of these officers exploit their positions for influence trafficking, drug access, and other crimes, taking advantage of their roles in the prisons, as stated by the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU).
The video has sparked outrage among activists and families of political prisoners, who claim that repression in Cuban prisons has intensified, while the regime's authorities continue to deny allegations of human rights violations.
Understanding the Situation in Cuban Prisons
What did Lieutenant Colonel Orlando Fernández Fernández do?
He threatened the families of prisoners, warning them not to make the situation difficult and refused to accept food packages for the inmates.
How has the video shared by José Daniel Ferrer affected public opinion?
The video has caused significant outrage among activists and families of political prisoners, highlighting the intensified repression and ongoing human rights violations in Cuban prisons.
What are the allegations against high-ranking prison officials in Cuba?
There are allegations of corruption, influence trafficking, and drug access among high-ranking officials, who exploit their positions for personal gain within the prison system.