Independent Cuban artist Fernando Almenares Rivera, widely recognized as Nando Obdc, has been confined in a facility designated for HIV patients in Güines, Mayabeque, Cuba, despite not being HIV-positive. His mother, Eva Rivera, expressed her grave concerns to Martí Noticias from Havana about the harsh conditions her son is subjected to in the prison system.
Rivera recounted that the prison director informed her that Fernando was “refusing to undergo therapy” typically administered to HIV patients. She insisted that, under her responsibility, her son would not be subjected to any form of injection or therapy as he “suffers from no such illness.” She advised her son to avoid any needles, fearing the potential for virus inoculation.
She further explained that her son suffers from sicklemia, a hereditary disorder also known as sickle cell anemia. This condition accelerates the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia, joint and bone pain, and potential organ damage.
Prior to this, Nando OBDC was held in the Combinado del Este prison in Havana. There, he endured winter conditions in a cell, sleeping on bare sheets on the floor, which led to severe colds and fevers. This severe cold, “a result of the winter and sleeping on the floor,” compromised his immune system, leading to suspicions of HIV infection.
Nando Obdc remains incarcerated since late last year, although he is not among the alleged perpetrators of the crime for which he was detained. A recent publication by the Gaceta De Cuba on August 19 detailed the events surrounding the artist's arrest on December 31, 2024, according to a tweet from the Mesa de Diálogo de la Juventud Cubana, which highlights the activist's case.
The official document lists the supposed culprits and requests the presence of additional individuals they identify as implicated. This raises recurring questions: Why is Nando imprisoned if he has committed no crime? How can a Cuban flag serve as incriminating evidence?
There is speculation that his arrest might be connected to his social media activism, particularly his denunciations of young people using drugs openly on the streets. Despite this latest Gaceta de Cuba publication reaffirming Nando's innocence, he remains imprisoned by the Cuban regime's arbitrary actions. No charges nor evidence exist to incriminate him.
The 35-year-old artist was apprehended on December 31, 2024, at his home in La Lisa, Havana, without prior notice or a judicial warrant, as reported by the initiative Arte Prohibido, led by Nando himself. His arrest, according to allegations from his family and independent organizations, is linked to supposed involvement in subversive activities and an incident at Parque Lenin on December 30.
In late July, while isolated in a Güines prison in Mayabeque province, Nando Obdc declared a hunger strike.
Key Questions About Nando Obdc's Imprisonment
Why was Nando Obdc placed in an HIV patient prison?
Nando Obdc was placed in a facility for HIV patients despite not being HIV-positive. His placement there is reportedly due to suspicions raised by his weakened immune system, attributed to severe cold and fever conditions in a previous prison.
What led to Nando Obdc's arrest?
Nando Obdc was arrested without prior notice or a judicial warrant. Allegations suggest his detention is linked to supposed involvement in subversive activities and an incident at Parque Lenin, although no formal charges have been made.
What health condition does Nando Obdc suffer from?
Nando Obdc suffers from sicklemia, also known as sickle cell anemia, a hereditary disorder that leads to the rapid destruction of red blood cells, resulting in anemia, pain, and potential organ damage.