Ysel Fumero Tuero, a former political prisoner from the July 11, 2021 protests, passed away suddenly at the age of 51 in Caibarién, Villa Clara, reportedly due to a pulmonary edema, as reported by Martí Noticias.
Fumero Tuero had been sentenced to two years and six months in prison after being convicted of assault and public disorder. These charges were brought against him after he attempted to prevent police officers from attacking a woman during the demonstrations in Caibarién.
His case became significant from the start: he was detained and physically assaulted while handcuffed, and the prosecution refused to accept video evidence showing the excessive use of force against him during his trial.
His daughter, Yumey Fumero, had stated that the family viewed him merely as an observer who did not shout slogans but sought to protect a woman from police brutality.
The Struggles of Incarceration
Fumero Tuero endured harsh treatment and isolation throughout his imprisonment, according to fellow activist Carlos Michael Morales, who spoke to Martí Noticias.
Both men were initially held at La Pendiente prison in Santa Clara before being transferred to "Alambrada de Manacas" in Santo Domingo, where they spent nearly two months in solitary confinement.
The authorities denied him most prison benefits, forcing him to serve his full sentence. In his final months, he was relocated to a labor camp in Remedios.
Community Remembers a Noble Figure
The people of Caibarién recall him as an honorable and upright man, and his arrest sparked outrage after the brutal beating and physical abuse he endured were revealed.
Morales, who received a two-year and ten-month sentence for the same events, was released in July 2024 after a 27-day hunger strike.
Fumero Tuero's death adds to the growing list of former 11J political prisoners who have died in recent years. Among them, Luis Miguel Oña Jiménez died in February 2026 at 27 from a cerebral ischemia in prison, and Ernesto Brieva Sempé's death in custody was confirmed by the organization Cubalex in May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11J Political Prisoners
What sparked the 11J protests in Cuba?
The 11J protests were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the Cuban government's handling of the economy, shortages of basic goods, and the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How has the Cuban government responded to political prisoners from the 11J protests?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its harsh treatment of political prisoners from the 11J protests, with reports of physical abuse, isolation, and denial of prison benefits.
Who was Ysel Fumero Tuero?
Ysel Fumero Tuero was a political prisoner from the 11J protests, known for his attempt to protect a woman from police violence during the demonstrations in Caibarién.