The U.S. Embassy in Havana has pledged to examine the case of Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, a former Cuban political prisoner who completed a five-year sentence and was released in a severely deteriorated health condition, suffering from terminal throat cancer, hepatitis B, severe malnutrition, and weighing a mere 81 pounds.
The diplomatic mission has directly reached out to Díaz Rodríguez, affirming its commitment to explore available options to assist him. This includes the potential issuance of a humanitarian visa, allowing him to travel to the United States for necessary medical treatment and access to essential medications.
At 45, Díaz Rodríguez was arrested at the age of 40 during the July 11, 2021 protests in Cárdenas, Matanzas. He was convicted of "sedition" and "contempt," serving his entire five-year sentence without receiving any form of clemency from the Díaz-Canel regime.
Upon entering prison, he weighed 179 pounds; upon release, just 81 pounds, marking a significant weight loss of 98 pounds over five years.
Interview Reveals Harrowing Details
In an exclusive interview with NTN24, Díaz Rodríguez appeared emaciated, missing several teeth, and burdened by terminal throat cancer that severely impairs his speech. Despite his critical condition, he attempted to downplay his situation, stating, "I'm a little thin, but alive."
The former prisoner recounted the systematic abuse he endured during his incarceration: "It was very hard, very hard for me. I've been through a lot due to my principles and offenses, numerous punishment cells, quite a few, around 11 or 12 punishment cells, and a lot of physical and verbal abuse."
Neglect and Suffering in Detention
During his imprisonment, in October 2022, Díaz Rodríguez was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but did not receive appropriate oncological care. In April 2025, he was briefly admitted to Abel Santamaría Hospital for vomiting blood, only to be transferred back to a correctional facility in Cabo de San Antonio for forced labor without cancer treatment.
José Daniel Ferrer García, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), condemned Díaz's physical state in a video shared on Facebook, likening Cuban prisons to Nazi-style concentration camps in the 21st century.
Ferrer strongly refuted any suggestion that Díaz's release was a gesture of goodwill by the regime. "This man was released because he served his full sentence. Let no one dare tell me now that he was pardoned and that it was a gesture of benevolence from the infamous and criminal tyranny," he declared.
Key Questions About Alexander Díaz Rodríguez's Release
What health conditions does Alexander Díaz Rodríguez suffer from?
Alexander Díaz Rodríguez is suffering from terminal throat cancer, hepatitis B, severe malnutrition, and weighs only 81 pounds.
Why was Alexander Díaz Rodríguez arrested?
He was arrested during the July 11, 2021 protests in Cárdenas, Matanzas, and was convicted of "sedition" and "contempt."
Did Alexander Díaz Rodríguez receive any medical treatment while in prison?
Although he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October 2022, he did not receive adequate oncological treatment during his incarceration.