NBC News, the very outlet that once provided a platform for Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to deny the presence of political prisoners in Cuba, has now spotlighted a compelling report—originally aired by its Spanish division, Noticias Telemundo—detailing the case of Jonathan David Muir Burgos. The 16-year-old finds himself incarcerated in a maximum-security prison following his involvement in the March protests in Morón.
This stark contradiction comes after Díaz-Canel claimed on April 12 during an interview with journalist Kristen Welker on Meet the Press that the narrative of political prisoners in Cuba was "a great lie" and "slanderous."
At the time of these statements, Jonathan had already been imprisoned for weeks at Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila, accused of sabotage.
The Arrest and Family's Struggle
Jonathan was detained on March 16 when he accompanied his father to a police summons, just days after participating in the March 13 protests sparked by power outages exceeding 26 hours daily and severe food shortages.
His father, evangelical pastor Elier Muir, 58, recounted to Noticias Telemundo how he brought a bag of sweets to his son during the first allowed visit, two weeks prior to the report.
"We still see him as just a little boy. It’s unbearable to watch him grow up in prison and become an adult there," he expressed.
The pastor also dismissed the regime's accusations that opposition families receive foreign funding, pointing to the unplastered brick walls of their modest home in Morón.
"We are not salaried employees, which is another trait they use to denigrate and discredit us," he stated.
Health Concerns and International Attention
Weighing only 105 pounds, Jonathan suffers from dyshidrosis, a chronic skin condition. A scheduled medical treatment on April 18 could not be administered in prison.
His mother, pastor Minervina Burgos López, reported that the teenager experiences vasovagal syncope. "He passes out, and when he wakes up, he’s disoriented, unable to remember where he is," she explained.
In a desperate call at 1:45 a.m. on April 23, Jonathan pleaded with his father: "Dad, please get me out of here, I can't take it anymore."
Government's Response and Public Outcry
Recently, the Cuban regime attempted to counter these allegations by releasing a photograph of the youth playing a keyboard in prison, with the caption "The piano doesn’t lie. The photo is here. And Jonathan... there he is, safe and sound."
The father denounced that his son was deceived with promises of a reward in exchange for playing the piano, and photos and videos were taken without consent. The organization Cubalex labeled this tactic as "revictimization."
Jonathan’s sister, Dayana Muir Marrero, responded to those calling him a vandal. "If being a vandal means being tired of suffering firsthand, living with a condition where necessary treatment isn’t available, and having the courage to shout 'freedom,' to ask for food, a bit of electricity; if that’s being a vandal, then I would accept that he is one."
On April 24, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights issued precautionary measures for the teenager, recognizing the risk of irreparable harm to his rights to life, personal integrity, and health. Cuba has not responded to the initial request sent on April 10.
U.S. Congress members Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar have demanded his release, alongside Mario Díaz-Balart, who stated: "No minor should be persecuted or jailed for raising their voice against a dictatorship."
Prisoners Defenders estimated in March that at least 1,092 people remain imprisoned in Cuba for criticizing the government, including 33 minors.
Jonathan is not alone, as another 16-year-old, Cristian Crespo Álvarez, also remains detained following the March protests.
Understanding the Cuban Political Prisoner Situation
Why was Jonathan Muir arrested in Cuba?
Jonathan Muir was arrested after participating in protests against severe power outages and food shortages in Cuba. He was later charged with sabotage and detained in a maximum-security prison.
What health issues does Jonathan Muir face in prison?
Jonathan suffers from dyshidrosis, a chronic skin condition, and experiences vasovagal syncope, which causes him to pass out and wake up disoriented.
How has the international community responded to Jonathan Muir's case?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has issued precautionary measures due to the risk of irreparable harm to his rights. U.S. Congress members have also called for his immediate release.