Desirée Valdés González has reported that her son, Cuban political prisoner Carlos Alain Abrahantes Valdés, was subjected to 15 days in solitary confinement for reciting a poem critical of the political regime at Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey. According to her account, the punishment began on October 2, leaving him cut off from communication and without access to phone calls.
The mother shared her ordeal in an audio message sent to Radio Martí, which published the complaint on October 8. The incident reportedly took place during an inspection of the penitentiary, as stated by the media outlet.
"I have no idea how he is doing or if he is being fed," Valdés González expressed. She revealed that her 32-year-old son suffers from malnutrition and low body weight, and on the day of his punishment, he was denied essential medications.
Additionally, she mentioned that she has been unable to visit him for a year and four months. Faced with the lack of communication, she demanded that prison authorities end the harassment, allow contact with her son, and ensure the delivery of his medications and protect his physical and mental well-being.
Previous Incidents of Aggression and Threats
Hailing from Cienfuegos, Abrahantes Valdés has been imprisoned since 2023 on charges of sabotage related to the alleged arson of Ministry of the Interior warehouses. His family disputes these charges, asserting he was elsewhere at the time of the incident. He is listed as a political prisoner by Prisoners Defenders.
In May, CiberCuba reported an attack on Abrahantes Valdés at Kilo 8 prison, also in Camagüey. Witnesses claimed he was beaten unconscious and suffered a broken nose.
In September, the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) noted his transfer from Kilo 8 to Kilo 7 along with fellow political prisoner Ediolvy Marín Mora. Both were threatened with solitary confinement and possible relocation to Guantánamo if they continued to expose prison conditions, according to the report.
In her statement to Radio Martí, Valdés González urged an end to the reprisals against her son: "No one should face retaliation for voicing their opinions."
FAQs on Cuban Political Prisoners and Human Rights
Why was Carlos Alain Abrahantes Valdés put in solitary confinement?
He was placed in solitary for reciting a poem that criticized the political system.
What are the charges against Carlos Alain Abrahantes Valdés?
He is accused of sabotage in connection with the alleged burning of Ministry of the Interior warehouses, a charge his family disputes.
What actions have been taken by human rights organizations?
Organizations like Prisoners Defenders and ICLEP have documented his situation and highlighted threats and abuses he has faced in prison.