The human rights organization Cubalex has reported alarming news about Cuban political prisoner Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, an 11J protester who was transferred on Saturday, July 5, to Kilo 5 and a Half prison in Pinar del Río. There, he remains on a hunger strike without access to medical treatment, despite his deteriorating health.
According to Cubalex, Lieutenant Colonel Luis, head of the prison's medical unit, is refusing to provide essential medications for Alexander's health condition and has not approved a medical diet. This is despite Alexander suffering from "severe malnutrition," putting his life in jeopardy. The organization sees this as part of a deliberate policy by the Cuban regime to impose "extreme punishment on those who raise their voices from prison to expose the regime's abuses."
Back in May, Alexander's mother, Moraima Rodríguez Batista, publicly disclosed that her son had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer since October 2022 and called for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds. She tearfully recounted being physically attacked while trying to submit documents requesting a medical leave for her son. "All I want is for my son to live. He has cancer and is getting worse," she cried.
Alexander has faced multiple transfers between hospitals and prisons, often being held incommunicado for extended periods. In April, he was admitted to Abel Santamaría hospital after coughing up blood, only to be sent days later to a forced labor camp in Cabo de San Antonio, at the far western edge of the country.
Urgency of International Intervention
Alexander's dire situation unfolds just days after the death of fellow political prisoner Yan Carlos González González, who passed away on Monday, July 7, after more than 40 days on a hunger strike. His case, also highlighted by Cubalex, underscores the systematic medical negligence and repression faced by political prisoners in Cuba.
Cubalex has warned that "the Cuban State fails to ensure adequate medical care or investigate the causes behind these individuals' grievances, perpetuating indifference and impunity." The organization points out that release from Cuban prisons is typically granted only when a prisoner's health is severely compromised, as a way to avoid accountability for deaths in custody.
According to data collected by the organization, at least 23 people have died in Cuban prisons so far this year. Many of these deaths are linked to denial of medical care, institutional violence, and complete neglect.
The family of Alexander, along with organizations like the Center for a Free Cuba and human rights advocates both within and outside the island, are calling for his immediate release and urging international bodies to urgently intervene to halt the repression of Cuban political prisoners.
Pressing Questions on Political Prisoners in Cuba
What is the current condition of Alexander Díaz Rodríguez?
Alexander Díaz Rodríguez is in a critical state, on a hunger strike, and has been denied medical care despite severe malnutrition and a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the health needs of political prisoners?
The Cuban regime has consistently failed to provide adequate medical care to political prisoners, often ignoring their health needs and grievances, which leads to severe health deterioration.
What actions are being taken to address the situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
Human rights organizations and international bodies are being urged to intervene immediately to stop the repression and ensure the release and proper medical treatment of political prisoners like Alexander Díaz Rodríguez.
What is the significance of the hunger strikes by political prisoners in Cuba?
Hunger strikes by political prisoners in Cuba are a form of protest against the regime's abuses and neglect, highlighting the dire conditions and the need for urgent intervention.