Justo M\u00e1rquez, a 60-year-old cancer patient from Granada, Spain, made an unusual request earlier this month to be incarcerated into the Alhaur\u00edn de la Torre jail in M\u00e1laga, Spain, in a move that ignited debate in Spain over the issue of loneliness and social and healthcare services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standing near Alhaur\u00edn de la Torre prison, the man whose only experience with prison dates back to when he was 17, held a sign that read, “I want to go to jail.” Since he was jailed in his youth for drug use, Mr. M\u00e1rquez has been a law-abiding citizen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At odds with his law-biding conduct, Mr. M\u00e1rquez’s unusual plea was mainly motivated by a desperate need for companionship and assistance while facing his deteriorating health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. M\u00e1rquez, whose health problems extend beyond cancer, encompassing heart issues and mental health problems, has sought help from mental health services but to no avail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I can’t find help anywhere, and being jailed is my last escape, but I don’t want to commit any crimes to be jailed,” M\u00e1rquez said in description of his desperate search for an exit from a crippling loneliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Justo M\u00e1rquez had the opportunity to speak with prison officials, but his plea for voluntarily going behind bars without law infractions was turned down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His plight, however, has ignited debate about the adequacy of social and healthcare support for patients facing severe health challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Justo M\u00e1rquez has started to have problems with his 45-year-old wife since a prostate cancer diagnosis was disclosed to the couple in 2020<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Abandoned by his wife and children, Mr. Justo M\u00e1rquez has had to undergo cancer surgery and chemotherapy alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n