Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, a former Cuban political prisoner who was convicted following the July 11, 2021 protests, has come forward with a harrowing account of being abducted, beaten, and subjected to mock executions by State Security agents. This occurred while he was en route to an event at the United States Embassy in Havana.
The organization Prisoners Defenders shared Alexander's testimony through a video on Facebook, shedding light on these recent abuses.
Alexander recounted his ordeal, stating that he was held incommunicado for nearly three days, during which he was moved between various police stations, isolated woodland, a beach, and a facility in the Havana municipality of Mariano.
"They kidnapped me. Stripped me. Beat me. Pointed a gun at me as if playing Russian roulette," Alexander revealed in the video, describing the terrifying experience.
Also detained was José Elías González Agüero, acting national coordinator of the PUNCLI (Partido de Unidad Nacional de Cuba Libre), whose whereabouts remained unknown during the detention period.
Upon his release, Alexander was in dire condition, having to rely on a friend for basic necessities like bathing and eating for the first time in almost three days.
"They tortured me in ways I haven't seen even on TV in 50 years, like those Iranian tortures. These people must be held accountable. I don't know why they act with impunity, brother," he expressed, visibly distressed.
This recent incident comes just months after Alexander was freed on April 12, 2026, after serving a full five-year sentence for "sedition" and "disrespect," without any clemency.
Health Deterioration and International Attention
During his imprisonment at Kilo 5 y Medio in Pinar del Río, his health severely declined; he entered weighing 178 pounds and left at a mere 82 pounds.
He developed thyroid cancer—diagnosed in October 2022—along with hepatitis B, anemia, and severe malnutrition, without receiving adequate cancer treatment.
The stark decline in Alexander's health was featured on the front page of the Spanish newspaper ABC in April 2026, sparking international attention.
On June 1, 2026, Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. Embassy mission in Cuba, visited Alexander in Artemisa, highlighting the diplomatic concern over his situation.
Continued Harassment of Political Dissidents
This latest arrest is part of a systematic pattern of harassment by the Cuban regime against former 11J political prisoners who maintain contact with foreign diplomats or engage in civil society activities.
Alexander is among more than 1,000 Cubans detained after the historic July 11, 2021 protests, the largest public demonstrations in Cuba in decades.
He was arrested in Cárdenas, Matanzas, and the Cuban authorities repeatedly denied his requests for conditional release, labeling him as "counter-revolutionary."
"Brother, I am overwhelmed with a deep sorrow that this happened to me," Alexander concluded in his testimony, his voice trembling with emotion.
Key Insights into Alexander Díaz Rodríguez's Ordeal
What abuses did Alexander Díaz Rodríguez suffer?
Alexander reported being kidnapped, beaten, and subjected to mock executions by State Security agents.
How did Alexander's health change during his imprisonment?
His health deteriorated drastically, with significant weight loss and the development of thyroid cancer, hepatitis B, anemia, and severe malnutrition.
What international attention did Alexander's case receive?
His case gained international attention, including coverage by ABC in Spain and a visit from Mike Hammer of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba.