The health of Yilian Oramas García, a political prisoner living with HIV and multiple chronic illnesses, has reached a critical state. Her condition has worsened due to a lack of access to necessary medications and a specialized diet while incarcerated, as reported by the independent organization Cubalex on Thursday.
Oramas, sentenced to six years in prison for peacefully protesting in Santa Clara in 2021, is experiencing a severe decline in her health, according to a statement from the NGO. Currently on leave at her home in Villa Clara's capital, she is in dire health with imbalanced blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, a high viral load, and dangerously low hemoglobin levels. Cubalex also suspects she may suffer from ischemic heart disease.
Due to her fragile condition, authorities plan to transfer her to the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK) in Havana next week for medical evaluations. Cubalex warns that her dire situation is a direct result of the conditions in the 'Cuba-Panamá' prison for individuals with HIV/AIDS, where there is a shortage of antiretroviral drugs, poor nutrition, and unsanitary conditions.
This situation represents a severe violation of her rights to health and life. The organization emphasized that Oramas was imprisoned by the Cuban regime merely for exercising her right to peaceful protest. She is among hundreds of Cuban women still jailed for political reasons, facing repression for speaking out against injustice. Cubalex has urged Cubans to demand her immediate release.
On August 15, 2021, a group staged a protest outside the Marta Abreu Funeral Home in Santa Clara, expressing frustration over the lack of oxygen and proper care in hospitals for COVID-19 patients. Oramas was arrested alongside Maikel Armentero Oramas. Although the official Cuban regime portal, Cubadebate, did not specify the charges, it accused them of causing a public disturbance at the funeral home, disrupting families mourning their loved ones.
A court found her guilty of assault and resistance, sentencing her to six years in a prison in Mayabeque province. In August 2024, Oramas engaged in a two-week hunger strike after prison authorities revoked her privileges for returning late from a visit home, over 250 km from the prison, as reported by Martí Noticias.
Despite her precarious health, Oramas was not among the 553 prisoners released in January after negotiations mediated by the Vatican.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yilian Oramas García's Health Crisis
What is the current health status of Yilian Oramas García?
Yilian Oramas García is in a critical health condition, with imbalanced blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, a high viral load, and dangerously low hemoglobin levels.
Why was Yilian Oramas García imprisoned?
She was sentenced to six years in prison for peacefully protesting in Santa Clara in 2021, accused of assault and resistance by the Cuban regime.
What actions have been taken regarding her health?
Plans are in place to transfer her to the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine in Havana for medical evaluations due to her critical condition.
What has Cubalex said about her imprisonment?
Cubalex considers her imprisonment a severe violation of her health and life rights and urges for her immediate release.