Andy García Lorenzo, a former political prisoner in Cuba, has publicly identified Roberto Javier Rojo Hernández as one of the individuals who assaulted him during his imprisonment.
Rojo Hernández, serving as a first lieutenant at Guamajal prison, assaulted García on two separate occasions while García was on a hunger strike, as reported to the independent media outlet Cubanet.
"While detained in a cell, I was given a mattress only at night, which was taken away each morning. The mattress I received was damp or stained. At one point, I refused to carry it due to pain in my kidneys and spine. Rojo Hernández responded by dragging and beating me, inflicting head injuries. They performed what is known as 'the wheelbarrow': with my hands cuffed behind my back and the mattress placed between my back and hands, forcing me to bend forward," García recounted.
The following day, Rojo Hernández reportedly resumed his abusive behavior towards García, subjecting him to further violence.
"He shoved me, hit me on the head, threw the mattress at me, and dragged me across the floor. I don't even want to remember it. He was the guard in charge that day and took particular pleasure in targeting me," García stated.
García also pointed out that Rojo Hernández's violent conduct was not exclusively targeted at him, and such behavior resulted in a promotion for Rojo Hernández.
"Guards who are violent and abusive are often promoted because it's seen as a sign of loyalty and reliability," García explained.
Following the assaults, Rojo Hernández was promoted to head of Internal Order at the prison.
"As is typical for those in such positions, he instilled fear among inmates by beating, threatening, performing 'the wheelbarrow,' and confiscating their belongings. It's all about exerting power and impunity; the green uniforms make them feel invincible," García asserted.
Eventually, Rojo Hernández was transferred to El Yabú prison in Villa Clara, only to return to Guamajal in a demoted capacity, which García believes was due to corruption.
"I suspect it was for corruption. He was sent back to Guamajal demoted to a basic guard role, managing the locks on cells, the lowest rank among the guards," García stated.
Since his release, García has encountered his former abuser on the streets of Villa Clara: "I recently saw him driving a MININT vehicle. I don't know if he's working as a driver now too."
"I am a peaceful person, but I feel powerless, unable to take action for what he did to me and other inmates. Even if he's dressed in civilian clothes, I would likely face repercussions if I approached him, as they are protected by the regime," García told Cubanet.
On his Facebook profile, Roberto Javier Rojo Hernández claims to have graduated in Law from the University of Martha Abreu in Villa Clara. His profile features photos of him drinking beer by the pool, visiting the Varadero dolphinarium, and attending night parties.
The Case of Andy García Lorenzo
In July, Andy García Lorenzo, a prominent figure from the July 11 protests in Santa Clara, was released after serving a four-year sentence for peaceful protest. His story echoes that of countless Cubans who have paid a steep price for exercising their right to free expression.
He was welcomed with hugs and under strict surveillance, stepping into a country even more battered than when he was imprisoned: a Cuba impoverished, fractured, yet more aware. García continues to bear the physical and emotional scars of a sentence that never should have been.
On social media, his mother celebrated his return with a message filled with faith and pride: "Today marks a new chapter in your life, different, challenging, but you're not alone. You've never been alone. [...] Welcome home, son. May God bless you abundantly."
García was arrested on July 11, 2021, during the historic protests that swept the nation, demanding "freedom." He was only 23 years old. His crime: raising his voice, taking to the streets, believing that peaceful protest should not be a criminal act. For this, he was jailed.
During his incarceration, his family, some now exiled in Germany, remained steadfast in their support, advocacy, and presence.
Though he is home, Andy is not entirely free. He is watched and monitored. His case serves as both a warning and a symbol. A young man who refused to be silenced, who faced his fears, and who now walks the streets of Santa Clara with his head held high.
"Respect, proximity, and commitment," as defined by those closest to him, are the legacy of his imprisonment and the driving force for those continuing to raise their voices from within and beyond the island.
During his time in custody, Andy undertook several hunger strikes to protest isolation and prison conditions. His family reported multiple instances of torture and mistreatment by prison authorities, and he was kept in punitive cells under degrading conditions.
In 2022, he was transferred to a higher-security prison. His sister, Roxana García Lorenzo, publicly denounced the infrequent visitation rights and expressed deep concern over his physical and emotional health.
Organizations such as Prisoners Defenders and Amnesty International took up Andy's case, recognizing him as a prisoner of conscience.
Understanding the Impact of Andy García Lorenzo's Story
Who is Roberto Javier Rojo Hernández?
Roberto Javier Rojo Hernández is a former first lieutenant at Guamajal prison identified by Andy García Lorenzo as one of the individuals who assaulted him during his imprisonment.
What were the conditions of Andy García Lorenzo's imprisonment?
Andy García Lorenzo endured harsh conditions during his imprisonment, including being on a hunger strike, subjected to physical abuse, and kept in degrading conditions with limited access to visits from family.
What led to Andy García Lorenzo's arrest?
Andy García Lorenzo was arrested on July 11, 2021, during historic protests in Cuba for participating in peaceful demonstrations demanding freedom and change.
How has Andy García Lorenzo's case been recognized internationally?
International organizations, including Prisoners Defenders and Amnesty International, have recognized Andy García Lorenzo as a prisoner of conscience, highlighting his unjust imprisonment and advocating for his rights.