Human rights concerns rise for Cuban prisoner and Mexican inmates

In Cuba, political prisoner Ana Ibis Tristá Padilla has reported a severe deterioration in her health while held at the La Veguita women's prison in Las Tunas. Tristá Padilla, who is serving a 14-year sentence for alleged crimes against state security, stated in a letter to the Cuban Human Rights Observatory (OCDH) that she is struggling with anorexia, chronic asthma, and renal issues. She noted a dependency on furosemide to prevent kidney collapse, a medication that has reportedly caused tendon damage in her legs.

Human rights advocates claim her conviction was unjust, noting she was initially acquitted due to a lack of evidence before a second trial was ordered by state security.

Separately, in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, the Municipal Institute for Women (IMM) has launched a donation campaign titled ‘Entre Nosotras: 500 kits en 50 días’. The initiative aims to collect 500 hygiene and menstrual kits for women incarcerated at the Cereso Femenil 2 prison. The drive seeks to support inmates who lack sufficient external support networks or regular visits to provide basic necessities such as sanitary pads, soap, and dental care.