After being apart for over three months, Cuban political prisoner Félix Navarro and his daughter, fellow political prisoner Saylí Navarro, were finally allowed to meet this past Wednesday. This reunion was authorized by officials at the Agüica prison located in Colón, Matanzas.
Under Cuban law, prisoners are entitled to regular visits, a right that was blatantly denied to the Navarros, since prison regulations mandate a visit every 45 days. This breach of rights was confirmed by activist Iván Hernández Carrillo to Martí Noticias. Hernández Carrillo, along with Sonia Álvarez Campillo, Félix Navarro's wife, visited the prison.
"Sonia and I went to Agüica prison. Sonia was allowed entry and was met by a military officer who informed her that Félix was doing fine. Sonia insisted on seeing Félix for proof of life, but was told it was not possible because he was in a visit with his daughter," Hernández Carrillo explained.
Saylí Navarro was transported from the women’s prison to Agüica to see her father. Unfortunately, her mother was not permitted to enter and had to remain outside. "We saw Saylí leave as she was taken back to the women's prison," Hernández Carrillo recounted.
This reunion took place against a backdrop of severe tension. Just a week prior, Félix Navarro had reportedly suffered a severe beating in the same facility. The alleged attacker was Noslen Pedroso Sotolongo, the chief of Internal Order at Agüica, who then ordered Navarro's transfer to an isolation cell.
According to Hernández Carrillo, it seems that Félix Navarro is no longer in solitary confinement. "If he were still in a punishment cell, the visit wouldn't have been allowed," he emphasized.
Navarro, who coordinates the Pedro Luis Boitel Movement for Democracy, is serving a nine-year sentence for his involvement in the July 11 protests. Initially sentenced in March 2022, he was granted conditional release for January 18, 2025, but was reincarcerated just three months later.
His situation is particularly alarming due to his age and health issues. At 72, Navarro suffers from diabetes, severe respiratory problems, and other health concerns. During his time in prison, his condition has worsened significantly. "I feel like I'm at the end of my rope," he stated in a phone call last May, his voice barely audible due to excruciating lung pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Félix Navarro's Imprisonment
Who is Félix Navarro?
Félix Navarro is a Cuban political prisoner and coordinator of the Pedro Luis Boitel Movement for Democracy. He is known for his activism and opposition to the Cuban government.
Why was Félix Navarro imprisoned?
Navarro was sentenced to nine years in prison for his participation in the July 11 protests against the Cuban government in 2021.
What are Félix Navarro's health conditions?
He suffers from diabetes, severe respiratory problems, and other health issues, which have been exacerbated during his time in prison.