The Cuban activist and journalist, Iliana Hernández, recently shared a harrowing experience she endured during the San Isidro Movement's hunger strike in November 2020. After going without food for nearly a week, she climbed to the roof of the movement's headquarters to document the events outside, feeling her heart race uncontrollably.
In an interview with Tania Costa, Hernández recounted the physical dangers she faced during that time. "Climbing those stairs, my heart was pounding so hard. I felt like it was going to burst out of my chest," she told CiberCuba.
She recalled having to pause, sit, and gather her strength before continuing. "I had gone five days without eating, drinking only water. I couldn't muster the energy," she explained.
Hernández acknowledged that this was one of the most terrifying moments of the protest. "I was genuinely frightened because I thought something might happen to me," she admitted.
The Origins of the Hunger Strike
The hunger strike commenced on November 18, 2020, at the movement's base located at Damas 955 in Old Havana. Initially unplanned, the strike was triggered by the theft of money and food sent from abroad for the 16 people present.
Hernández stated, "We still don't know what they did to us. We didn't intend to start a hunger strike," emphasizing the unexpected nature of the event.
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara suggested the drastic measure, declaring a hunger, thirst, and silence strike. "We pleaded with Luisma: don't stay silent, we need you to speak," Hernández recalled.
On the third day, Otero agreed to talk, and nine others, including Hernández, joined the hunger strike.
Coping with the Hunger
To mentally cope with fasting, Hernández developed a routine of self-persuasion from the third day. "I told myself: water for breakfast, water for snacks, water for dinner. I watched others eat and didn't feel the urge to join them," she shared.
Her fellow activists, who weren't participating in the strike, would eat discreetly or face away to avoid making her uncomfortable. By then, Hernández claimed she no longer craved food.
She also explained her refusal to accept food or drink from authorities during previous detentions. "I couldn't trust what they offered; they could have put anything in it. They're murderers," she asserted.
Government Crackdown on San Isidro
The State Security disbanded the San Isidro protest on November 26, 2020, citing violations of COVID-19 health protocols. The regime also restricted access to social media nationwide to prevent live broadcasts during the operation.
The San Isidro standoff is seen as a precursor to the July 11, 2021, protests, Cuba's largest demonstrations in decades. Otero Alcántara was arrested on that day and sentenced to five years in prison. In March 2026, he began another hunger strike in Guanajay prison, protesting death threats from State Security officers, which he ended eight days later.
Frequently Asked Questions about the San Isidro Movement
What triggered the San Isidro hunger strike?
The hunger strike was sparked by the theft of money and food sent from abroad for the 16 individuals at the San Isidro headquarters.
Who proposed the hunger strike at San Isidro?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara proposed the hunger, thirst, and silence strike as a form of protest.
How did Iliana Hernández cope with the hunger strike?
Iliana Hernández used self-persuasion techniques, convincing herself that water could replace meals, which helped her endure the fast.