Cuban prisoners forced to work making cigars and charcoal for export to Europe, report claims

Cuban Prisoners Forced to Work Making Cigars and Charcoal for Export: Report A new report by the Madrid-based NGO Prisoners Defenders has shed light on a disturbing practice in Cuban prisons, where thousands of inmates are allegedly forced to work under harsh conditions producing cigars and marabu charcoal for export to Europe. According to the report, at least 60,000 people are being subjected to forced labor with little or no pay, under threats, in exhausting conditions, and without adequate equipment. The report attributes responsibility directly to the Cuban government, describing a national and institutionalized system of forced labor across the island. "We have documented cases where prisoners were forced to work for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week, with minimal breaks and no compensation," said Juan Carlos Ibanez, director of Prisoners Defenders. "This is not only a human rights issue but also an economic one, as these products are being sold to European consumers without any transparency or accountability." The report confirms cigar production in at least seven Cuban prisons, involving the alleged forced labor of over 500 inmates. The marabu charcoal, made from a type of tree native to Cuba, is also produced in prison facilities and exported to Europe. Background research reveals that Cuba's prison system has been criticized for its harsh conditions and treatment of inmates. However, this report highlights a new dimension of the issue: the exploitation of prisoners for economic gain. "This is not just about human rights; it's also about the economy," said Ibanez. "The Cuban government is using its prisons as a source of cheap labor to produce goods that are sold on the international market." The implications of this report are far-reaching, raising questions about the ethics of consumerism and the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens' rights. "This report highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in global supply chains," said Sarah Taylor, a human rights expert at Amnesty International. "Consumers have a right to know where their products come from and under what conditions they were made." The Cuban government has yet to respond to the allegations, but Prisoners Defenders is calling on international organizations and governments to take action. "We urge the international community to condemn this practice and demand that the Cuban government takes immediate action to address these human rights abuses," said Ibanez. As the world grapples with the complexities of globalization and human rights, this report serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and accountability in global supply chains. *Reporting by Theguardian.*