NGOs and unofficial media have reported the occurrence of a riot in the high security prison of Canaleta, in Ciego de Ávila.
In the event, which has also been reported by foreign media, there were several fatalities, although so far there is no confirmation from the authorities or the official media of the island.
The agency EFE reported the mutiny based on the confirmation received from the NGOs Prisoners Defenders and the Cuban Prisons Documentation Center (CDPC).
A testimony from an inmate in this prison provided to the Spanish media assures that various police reinforcements went to the prison and used “rubber bullets,” “pepper gas” and physical violence to contain the riot.
Regarding the reasons, the testimony speaks of “hunger” and “mistreatment” in prison, as well as discontent with the island’s Government.
Official silence
Other audios and images allegedly linked to the riot have emerged on the networks. It is also noted that the rioters shouted “freedom” and slogans against the Cuban president.
Some sources report deaths and injuries as a result of the repression of the riot in Canaleta. Citing witnesses, Prisoners Defenders speaks of at least seven deaths, while other reports they refer to a lower figure.
There are also references to the transfer of injured people to hospital centers.
However, neither the Cuban Government nor the official media and spokespersons have reported on the mutiny nor have they offered a statement that confirms or denies what was said by NGOs and other sources.
According to EFEthe CDPD has demanded from the authorities “urgent official information” about the health status of the Canaleta inmates. This NGO, based in Mexico and which focuses its work on the situation in Cuban prisons, has denounced on several occasions the situation of people imprisoned in this penitentiary center and also in other prisons in the country.
Regarding the Canaleta prison, in particular, it has pointed out “problems of overcrowding and unhealthiness, deficiencies in quality and quantity in food, precarious medical care, internal corruption and the use of repression against prisoners for political reasons,” the Spanish agency points out.
The alleged mutiny occurs at a time when the island is experiencing a worsening economic and energy crisis due to the US oil blockade, while bilateral tensions have increased following the events of January 3 in Venezuela.
