Overview

• Prisoners Defenders published a 42-page study built on roughly 160 interviews, including 53 sworn statements, alleging systemic coercion, threats and reprisals in Cuban prisons.
• The report describes average 63-hour workweeks without contracts, protective gear or adequate medical care, with many inmates unpaid or earning under four dollars a month.
• Forced labor is alleged in marabú charcoal production, sugarcane harvesting, tobacco manufacturing and construction, including work linked to private properties of state security officials.
• The NGO says at least 60 European companies buy Cuban goods produced by prisoners, highlighting charcoal exports of about $61.8 million in 2023 largely destined for Spain and other European markets.
• Women are reported to face degrading tasks and sexual violence, and the group calls on EU authorities to enforce prohibitions on forced-labor goods as coverage notes no public response from Cuba, named buyers or EU regulators.