Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, a Cuban activist, has initiated a fundraising campaign on Facebook to secure housing for Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, a former political prisoner. Since his release in April, Díaz has been grappling with severe hardships: a lack of stable housing, unemployment, and a fight against cancer.
At 45, Alexander, originally from Cárdenas, Matanzas, was sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests. He served his entire sentence at Kilo 5 y Medio prison in Pinar del Río, with no mercy shown by the regime.
Salcedo Verdecia, now residing in Miami, shared that temporary housing has been secured for Alexander through the kindness of donors, allowing him a place to stay while undergoing treatment. However, she warns that this assistance cannot be sustained indefinitely.
The campaign aims to raise $4,000 to purchase a small home, which, according to the activist, comes furnished with almost all necessary items.
Those interested in supporting Alexander can reach him at +53 5 6479804 or contact Salcedo Verdecia at 786-339-6875.
In a Facebook video, Alexander, speaking slowly, recounts his dire circumstances: "I left in extreme conditions. I have to pay rent, can't find work, am pursued by State Security, and left with cancer...".
His plight is not new. Upon his release on April 12, the international community was outraged by his condition: he entered prison weighing 81 kilos and emerged at just 37, a shocking loss of 44 kilos over five years. During his incarceration, he developed thyroid cancer, contracted hepatitis B, and endured solitary confinement, beatings, and both physical and verbal abuse.
"It was incredibly tough, very tough for me. I've endured many hardships due to my principles and my alleged crimes, faced numerous solitary confinements, about 11 or 12, and suffered significant physical and verbal abuse," he stated publicly.
The Spanish newspaper ABC spotlighted his case on April 22, and Mike Hammer, the U.S. Embassy's chief of mission in Cuba, personally reached out after seeing the images. He stated, "What this man has suffered is beyond words. The United States will continue to demand the release of all unjustly imprisoned individuals."
Despite this international attention, over a month since his release, Alexander remains in Cuba without resources or a home. Salcedo Verdecia emphasized that he currently cannot apply for a visa, ruling out emigration as an immediate solution.
José Daniel Ferrer, an opposition leader from the Patriotic Union of Cuba, highlighted the case before the European Parliament on May 5: "He left a communist prison resembling survivors from Nazi concentration camps. Skin and bones."
Alexander's situation exemplifies a disturbing trend reported by human rights organizations: the regime releases critically ill political prisoners after they complete their sentences, without medical care, resources, and under the watchful eye of State Security. As of February 2026, Prisoners Defenders reported that Cuba had 1,214 political prisoners.
Understanding the Crisis of Political Prisoners in Cuba
What challenges does Alexander Díaz Rodríguez face after his release?
After being released, Alexander faces homelessness, unemployment, and a battle with cancer, all while being under surveillance by State Security.
How can people assist Alexander Díaz Rodríguez?
People can support Alexander by contributing to the fundraising campaign aimed at purchasing a home for him. They can contact him directly or reach out to Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia for more information.
What does Alexander's case reveal about the treatment of political prisoners in Cuba?
Alexander's case highlights the harsh treatment of political prisoners in Cuba, where individuals are released only after enduring severe health deterioration and without any support or resources.