Jenni M. Taboada, the mother of political prisoner Duannis Dabel León Taboada, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook expressing her gratitude to U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, for mentioning her son during the extraordinary session of the General Assembly on Tuesday.
"Thank you, Mr. Ambassador!!! For bringing my son's name to the UN. Let the world know he's not a criminal, let the world know he is unjustly imprisoned for speaking the truth," Taboada wrote.
Jenni Taboada concluded her post with a declaration of unwavering support for her son, stating, "Duannis Dabel León Taboada, you will never be alone, my son," and called for the freedom of all political prisoners with a resounding "Long live July 11th."
U.S. Ambassador's Bold Stand Against Cuban Regime
During the session, convened by the Cuban regime to discuss the U.S. embargo, Waltz boldly displayed photographs of Cuban political prisoners to the delegates and read their names aloud.
Among those mentioned was Duannis León Taboada, whom Waltz described as a 24-year-old poet sentenced to 14 years in prison and currently held in solitary confinement at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana.
"They are not violent, they carry no weapons. What they have are flowers, and they write poetry and songs, and for this, the regime tries to silence them by imprisoning them," the U.S. Ambassador declared.
The Struggle of Duannis León Taboada
Duannis was arrested following the July 11, 2021 protests and convicted of sedition at the age of just 22. His case has become emblematic of the post-July 11th crackdown: in February 2026, he was assaulted by a prison officer, resulting in an eyebrow injury that went untreated.
In April, he was placed in solitary confinement for writing slogans like "freedom" and "justice" on the walls of his unit, on the very day his mother attempted to visit him. Since then, Duannis has been denied both visits and phone calls.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures to Duannis and his mother on January 19, 2026, acknowledging that both face severe and irreparable risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Political Prisoners
Who is Duannis Dabel León Taboada?
Duannis Dabel León Taboada is a Cuban poet and political prisoner, sentenced to 14 years in prison for sedition after the protests on July 11, 2021. His case is a symbol of the repression faced by individuals opposing the regime in Cuba.
What actions did the U.S. Ambassador to the UN take regarding Cuban political prisoners?
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz highlighted the plight of Cuban political prisoners during a UN session by presenting photographs and reading the names of the prisoners, including Duannis León Taboada, to raise global awareness.
What challenges has Duannis faced in prison?
Duannis has endured physical assault by a prison officer, lack of medical attention, and has been placed in solitary confinement for expressing political views. He has also been denied visits and phone calls.
What is the IACHR's involvement with Duannis and his mother?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has provided precautionary measures to Duannis and his mother, recognizing the grave and irreparable risks they face under the current circumstances.