Story perspectives

Cuban Prisons Exposed: 60,000 Inmates Forced into Labor

9/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A report by NGO Prisoners Defenders exposes forced labor in Cuban prisons, where inmates produce cigars and charcoal for export.
Over 60,000 prisoners endure threats and harsh conditions, facing violence and sexual abuse.
The Cuban government is accountable for this forced labor system.
Cigar brands like Cohiba and "ecological" charcoal are produced under severe exploitation.
The investigation, based on interviews with 53 inmates in 40 prisons, highlights widespread coercion and poor working conditions.

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Story summary

A report by NGO Prisoners Defenders exposes forced labor in Cuban prisons, where inmates produce cigars and charcoal for export.
Over 60,000 prisoners endure threats and harsh conditions, facing violence and sexual abuse.
The Cuban government is accountable for this forced labor system.
Cigar brands like Cohiba and "ecological" charcoal are produced under severe exploitation.
The investigation, based on interviews with 53 inmates in 40 prisons, highlights widespread coercion and poor working conditions.