Cuban Prisoners Face Severe Malnutrition, Study Finds

A report released by the organization Prisoners Defenders on Monday suggests that male inmates in Cuba receive a daily caloric intake of only 250 to 353 calories. This estimate is based on various sources, including eyewitness accounts and scientific evaluations.

Caloric needs can vary widely among individuals—factors such as age, weight, and activity level all play a role. Medical professionals universally agree that neither men nor women can maintain proper health on as little as 353 calories per day. For instance, a calorie calculator reveals that a sedentary 35-year-old man standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 170 pounds requires roughly 2,500 calories to stay healthy. Prisoners Defenders’ findings indicate that the food rations in Cuban prisons only provide about 14% of the caloric intake necessary for good health.

Human rights advocates have described the chronic malnutrition experienced by Cuban inmates, particularly those incarcerated for political reasons, as a violation of international human rights law. This report came to light following distressing photographs of Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, a former political prisoner released after five years in custody, who appeared emaciated and in dire conditions reminiscent of a “concentration camp.”

The analysis aims to offer a detailed understanding of what Cuban prisoners are actually consuming, especially in light of Díaz Rodríguez’s severe health issues, which are not thought to be rare among those under a communist regime.

Interviews with former political inmates and leaked images of prison meals revealed that inmates typically endure a three-course meal each day. Breakfast generally consists of a small piece of soft bread and tea, while lunch and dinner include less than 30 grams of cooked rice, a liquid referred to as “suppa soup,” and “boiled croquettes,” the precise ingredients of which remain unclear.

Prison lawyers have estimated the caloric content of these meals, suggesting the morning bread provides between 120 and 160 calories. The caloric value of tea and soup is likely minimal, while rice and croquettes contribute an additional 65 to 100 calories.

Javier Lalonde, president of Prisoners Defenders, indicated that there are about 90,000 people imprisoned in Cuba, which accounts for approximately 1% of the nation’s population. He emphasized the state’s duty to protect inmates’ lives, health, and dignity. According to Lalonde, the inhumane treatment of these prisoners reflects a broader pattern of repression, arbitrary detention, and various human rights abuses.

Lalonde urged democratic nations and the United Nations to apply pressure on the Cuban government to uphold fundamental human rights, stating that mere observation is insufficient. “We can’t just mourn the situation; it requires action,” he noted.

The report outlines numerous health problems that could arise from the chronic undernutrition of inmates. There is no indication that prisoners receive fruits or vegetables in their diets, exposing them to severe nutrient deficiencies, potentially leading to ailments like scurvy. Continued food shortages could trigger extreme weight loss, muscle deterioration, severe weakness, and other health complications.

The report further elaborates that inadequate nutrition impedes the body’s ability to synthesize essential proteins and respond to infections effectively. Conditions that may be minor elsewhere can escalate dramatically under these circumstances.

Díaz Rodríguez, recently released, endured horrific conditions that left him severely malnourished and suffering from terminal illnesses, including pharyngeal cancer. He was sentenced to five years for what the government labeled “disrespect” during protests in July 2021. Even with his serious medical condition, he was denied compassionate release and has alleged torture during captivity.

The experiences of Díaz Rodríguez are not isolated. José Daniel Ferrer, leader of a major opposition group, has repeatedly claimed he was tortured in prison, including being punished with rotten food. After fleeing to the U.S., he recounted a particularly humiliating incident involving foul-smelling soup.

Prison lawyers have detailed how Cuba’s practices violate multiple international laws, including two pivotal United Nations covenants. The findings underline a systemic pattern of widespread repression, effectively characterizing it as a form of state terrorism.