Relatives of political prisoners cut meals and sell belongings to support them

A new Cubalex report based on interviews describes how imprisonment for political reasons affects the finances and daily lives of numerous families.

Preparing a delivery of food and other products for a prisoner costs between 20,000 and 60,000 Cuban pesos. Transportation to the prison may add another 15,000, depending on the distance.

The accounts also describe difficulty obtaining medical care inside prisons and families buying medication for their relatives themselves. Some report threats, surveillance and pressure connected to their public complaints.

Mothers, wives and sisters often take responsibility for finding money, preparing packages, traveling and caring for children. The report also records emotional problems, sleep disruption and school difficulties among children affected by the absence of relatives.