Jonathan Muir's Father: 'My Son is in Despair in Prison'

Elier Muir, the father of 16-year-old Jonathan Muir, who is incarcerated at Canaletas prison in Ciego de Ávila, shared his son's growing despair and worsening physical and mental condition during an unscheduled two-hour visit. This marks the third visit since Jonathan was confined to this maximum-security adult facility.

"He is desperate to leave that place, sister. He's anxious. His health is deteriorating, both physically and mentally. It's a harsh, cruel environment, and he's begging us to get him out of there because he doesn't want to stay. He shouldn't be there," Elier Muir expressed during an interview with CiberCuba.

Elier also mentioned that at the time of his arrest, Jonathan was awaiting departure from Cuba for a medical appointment in the United States, which has now been postponed due to his imprisonment.

Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano, president of the Free Cuban Medical Guild, joined the interview from Colombia. He has updated Jonathan's medical history and offered public advice to the second lawyer handling the case after the first attorney withdrew under pressure.

Jonathan Muir was detained on March 16 alongside his father after participating in the March 13 demonstration in Morón. A habeas corpus petition filed in his defense was rejected, leading to his transfer to Canaletas, a high-security prison for adults.

This case has sparked increasing international pressure. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has demanded explanations from the Cuban regime, while U.S. Congressman Carlos Giménez has called for the young man's release. Recent reports indicate that two 16-year-olds remain imprisoned in Cuba following the March protests.

Conditions at Canaletas are notably severe. The prison has been the site of a riot triggered by hunger complaints, and Jonathan reportedly spent six nights sleeping on the floor upon his arrival.