Since November 3, the inmates of the forced labor camp “The women at the "El Anoncillo" prison, located in the province of Camagüey, are cut off from communication because the center's telephone is out of service. This situation particularly affects the female political prisoners and their families, who depend on this means of communication to stay in touch.
Impact on female inmates and their families
The lack of communication violates the fundamental human rights of people deprived of their liberty and has serious consequences for both them and their families. According to denounced According to journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, in "El Anoncillo" there are political prisoners with significant health problems.
Despite repeated complaints, the authorities have not repaired the phone, further limiting the inmates' contact with their loved ones. Some guards allow inmates to use their personal phones for short periods of time, but this measure is exceptional and does not apply to everyone, the journalist told Cubalex.
The case of Aniette González
This situation It especially affects Aniette González, a political prisoner held under a less restrictive regime in this camp. health status This is worrying because she suffers from vocal cord damage and an allergic reaction as a result of the unsanitary conditions at Kilo 5 women's prison, where she was previously incarcerated. There, she was forced to remain in a damp cell, bathe in cold water, and drink contaminated water, which caused her to frequently lose her voice and experience sore throats.
The lack of communication further aggravates their vulnerability, intensifying their suffering and that of their family.
A violation of internationally recognized human rights
The lack of communication not only intensifies the suffering of people deprived of their liberty, but also violates rights recognized by international instruments such as Mandela Rules. These rules guarantee the right of incarcerated people to maintain regular contact with the outside world, especially with their families.
Furthermore, the lack of communication severely affects the families of inmates, generating emotional, psychological, and social consequences. The uncertainty and lack of knowledge about the situation of their loved ones cause anguish and profound emotional stress.
The lack of communication increases isolation, intensifies the suffering of incarcerated individuals, and exacerbates the impact of imprisonment. For families, this disconnection represents an additional burden, severing essential bonds of support and affection that could mitigate the impact of confinement.