José Daniel Ferrer has initiated a three-day hunger strike in Miami this Thursday to express solidarity with political prisoner Roilán Álvarez, who has now reached his 20th day of fasting in a Holguín penitentiary.
The announcement was made by journalist Hanoi Martínez on Facebook, emphasizing that Ferrer's action is intended to support the jailed activist's protest and draw attention to his plight.
Ferrer, a prominent opposition leader, has previously engaged in hunger strikes while imprisoned in Cuba, using them as a tool to expose the abuses and inhumane conditions within the country's prisons.
This past Tuesday, as Álvarez marked the 18th day of his hunger strike, concerns arose about his visibly deteriorating physical condition and reports of alleged mistreatment under custody emerged.
Family members who managed to visit him recently reported finding him severely weakened, exhibiting alarming signs that heightened the worry among his loved ones.
According to these accounts, Álvarez is held at the detention center known as "Todo el Mundo Canta" in Holguín, a facility that activists have frequently criticized for its harsh confinement conditions.
Álvarez continues his protest as a means of opposing what he deems an arbitrary politically motivated detention.
With two more days of fasting since the last public update on his condition, fears about his health are escalating.
Close associates and human rights advocates caution that an extended hunger strike, particularly in a prison environment with limited medical care, could lead to severe and potentially irreversible consequences if immediate measures aren't taken to safeguard his physical well-being.
Concerns Surrounding Hunger Strikes and Political Imprisonment in Cuba
What is the purpose of José Daniel Ferrer's hunger strike?
José Daniel Ferrer's hunger strike aims to show support for political prisoner Roilán Álvarez and to draw public attention to Álvarez's situation and protest against his detention.
Why is Roilán Álvarez on a hunger strike?
Roilán Álvarez is on a hunger strike to protest what he considers to be his arbitrary detention for political reasons.
What are the potential risks of prolonged hunger strikes in prison?
Prolonged hunger strikes in prison can lead to serious and possibly irreversible health consequences, particularly in environments with limited medical resources.