A new report reveals that prisoners in Cuba are being forced to work under brutal conditions to produce the country’s world-renowned cigars and marabu charcoal, with these products reaching European consumers. The report highlights an ongoing “national and institutionalized system of forced labor” in Cuban prisons, with no response yet from the Cuban government.
What Happened
The Madrid-based NGO Prisoners Defenders released a report on Monday revealing disturbing details about the exploitation of prisoners in Cuba. The organization estimates that at least 60,000 prisoners are being forced to work without pay in Cuban prisons, producing cigars and charcoal destined for international markets, including the UK, Spain, and other European countries. The report claims that these goods are often labeled as “ecological” and “high-quality,” but are produced under what amounts to modern-day slavery.
The investigation was prompted by a report from the UN special rapporteur on slavery, Tomoya Obokata, which focused on forced labor in prisons. From April to August 2025, Prisoners Defenders conducted interviews with 53 individuals across 40 Cuban prisons, estimating the scale of forced labor and documenting the abuse prisoners suffer.
Who Was Affected
According to the report, prisoners are coerced into labor with threats, violence, and reprisals. Many of the inmates are given little to no proper equipment or training to perform their tasks. Approximately 45% of those interviewed reported physical violence during their forced labor. Female inmates also faced sexual harassment, with some even being raped and denied medical care.
The majority of prisoners affected are Afro-Cubans, who are disproportionately represented in Cuba’s prison population. The report highlighted systemic racial discrimination, with Black prisoners assigned the more grueling tasks like cigar production, while white inmates were given less taxing jobs such as cleaning military offices and cars.
Career/Legacy or Background
Cuba’s cigar industry is one of the most famous globally, with premium brands like Cohiba representing the pinnacle of luxury. The report confirms that forced labor in prisons has been integral to this industry, with at least seven prisons producing cigars for export. It is estimated that around 11.7 million cigars are produced annually in these conditions, which make up 7.5% of Cuba’s total cigar production.
Despite this, it’s difficult to trace the cigars to specific brands or export destinations, as the cigars are made without branding. However, the NGO claims that the cigars produced are meant for the international market, including high-end brands like Cohiba, which has historic ties to Fidel Castro.
Public/Social Media Reactions
The report has sparked outrage online and among global human rights organizations. Activists and social media users are calling for immediate action to address forced labor and its connection to consumer products. The story has reignited debates about Cuba’s human rights practices, especially regarding the exploitation of its prison population.
In Cuba, however, there has been no official statement or acknowledgment from the government regarding these claims. The Cuban government did not respond to the Guardian’s request for comment, and Cuban officials have typically remained silent on matters related to prison labor and the treatment of political prisoners.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
Prisoners Defenders has sent its findings to governments and parliaments in countries that import these products, urging them to take action against the trade of goods made through forced labor. They are also calling on the UN and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to investigate Cuba’s prison system and demand accountability.
Javier Larrondo, president of Prisoners Defenders, has urged the international community to hold the Cuban government accountable for these human rights abuses. He also called for the Cuban prison system to be opened to independent international inspections and for a ban on products linked to forced labor.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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