Cuban Prisons Rolled Into Controversy: Report Confirms Prisoners Used as Cigar Rollers
An urban legend tells that cigars are rolled on the thighs of beautiful virgins. But your priced Cuban cigars might be rolled by convicts in Cuban prisons.
Last month, a human rights group claimed some Cuban prisoners are forced to roll cigars under harsh conditions. Habanos S.A. has publicly confirmed prisoners do perform cigar-rolling work after questions from our friends at Halfwheel.com.
What the Report from Prison Defenders Alleges
The Madrid-based NGO Prison Defenders published a report called El negocio penitenciario de Cuba. Key claims include:
Two civilians and 40 prisoners roll cigars in Quivicán prison. Civilians work 8-hour shifts, 5 days per week; prisoners work 14+ hours a day, 6 days a week.
Civilians receive 40,000 Cuban pesos per month; prisoners get just 3,000 Cuban pesos.
Each prisoner must roll 50-130 cigars per day.
Similar operations exist in other prisons: 70 prisoners in Artemisa; 50 in El Yayal Prison – Cuba Sí in Mayarí; plus more in Bayamo, Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara. Total estimated prisoner involvement in cigar-making in those is 400-500.
Broader estimates place 60,000 people across various prison industries in Cuba in what is described as forced labour.
Salary Conversions
Using current exchange rates:
1 Cuban Peso (CUP) ≈ US$ 0.04167 Exchange Rates
1 CUP ≈ € 0.0332 Exchange Rates+1
Thus:
| Worker | Monthly Pay (CUP) | Approx. in US$ | Approx. in € |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian (40,000 CUP) | 40,000 CUP | ≈ US$ 1,667 | ≈ € 1,328 |
| Prisoner (3,000 CUP) | 3,000 CUP | ≈ US$ 125 | ≈ € 100 |
Response from Habanos S.A. and Tabacuba
Habanos issued a statement that acknowledges prisoner participation. It claims:
The work aims to provide professional training and future workforce integration.
Inmates are offered “incentives and prison benefits.”
The participation is voluntary, according to their statement.
Production happens under the same quality control standards as in official factories.
Prison Defenders counters some claims: they allege forced labour, very long shifts, and abuse if workers leave production areas. Habanos disputes those points.
Implications for Cuban Cigar Brands
This report raises serious ethical questions, especially given the prestige of Cuban cigar brands. If premium brands use tobacco rolled by prisoners under controversial conditions, that may affect perceptions globally.
Consumers, retailers, and watchdogs might ask for greater transparency. Regulatory bodies could start investigating labour practices in this industry more closely.
