Cuban activist and independent journalist Guillermo del Sol Pérez has reached a critical juncture as he enters the 61st day of his hunger strike at his home in Santa Clara. His family and human rights organizations have voiced grave concerns about his deteriorating health, which they describe as dangerously critical, according to his son, speaking to Martí Noticias.
"Today marks the 61st day of Guillermo del Sol's hunger strike, and his condition is severely deteriorated," stated Adrián del Sol, the activist's son. He mentioned that a doctor who visited Guillermo noted significantly elevated blood pressure and a glucose level of four, though the unit of measurement was unspecified.
Guillermo suffers from pre-existing conditions including type 2 diabetes, severe hypertension, asthma, and heart disease, which significantly exacerbate the impact of prolonged fasting.
Severe Health Deterioration
In addition to high blood pressure and low glucose, Guillermo is experiencing intense kidney and back pain, as well as severe headaches. One of the most alarming symptoms for his family is his almost complete loss of ability to communicate. "He is no longer able to speak. He struggles significantly with speaking," Adrián del Sol explained.
On Monday, the activist barely consumed any liquids and was unable to urinate, which his son interpreted as potential signs of an impending organ failure. "It's alarming because he is nearing a point of shock. We are on high alert for any outcome and deeply concerned about his condition," Adrián emphasized.
Calls for End to Protest
The Cuban American National Foundation (FNCA) labeled Guillermo's situation as "extremely delicate" in a social media post, noting that he has only consumed water throughout the strike, although he now faces challenges even with drinking and mobility.
The organization also highlighted that Guillermo has experienced episodes of hypotension, elevated blood pressure, and profound physical weakness. "Opponents and religious figures who have visited him have urged him to end the protest to preserve his life," stated the FNCA.
A Protest with a Cause
Guillermo initiated his hunger strike on June 19, 2026, demanding the release of 18 political prisoners and protesting the revocation of Leonel Tristá García's parole, a participant in the July 11, 2021 protests in Santa Clara whose parole was rescinded three days before the strike began.
The list of prisoners whose release Guillermo seeks includes long-time dissident Félix Navarro Rodríguez, who was reincarcerated in April 2025 after a brief release and reportedly suffered a brutal beating in Agüica prison in April 2026, along with Mayelín Rodríguez Prado.
An update from August 15 indicated that one of the 18 prisoners, Jonathan David Muir Burgos, had been released, but 17 remain imprisoned as of that report.
This is not Guillermo's first resort to such extreme measures. According to Memory of Nations, he has undertaken at least 14 hunger strikes throughout his life. The most notable prior to this was in 2019, which lasted 55 days and ended with his hospitalization at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital in Santa Clara. The current strike has already surpassed that record, and Guillermo himself stated on the 49th day, "I do not want to die."
Understanding Guillermo del Sol’s Hunger Strike
Who is Guillermo del Sol?
Guillermo del Sol is a Cuban activist and independent journalist who has been involved in multiple hunger strikes to protest against the Cuban regime and demand the release of political prisoners.
What prompted Guillermo del Sol's current hunger strike?
Guillermo began his hunger strike to demand the release of 18 political prisoners and to protest the revocation of parole for Leonel Tristá García, a protester from the July 11, 2021 demonstrations in Santa Clara.
What are the health risks Guillermo del Sol faces?
Guillermo is at high risk due to existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and heart disease, which are exacerbated by his prolonged fasting. He is also experiencing severe symptoms such as kidney pain, headaches, and inability to speak.
How have organizations responded to Guillermo del Sol’s hunger strike?
The Cuban American National Foundation has described his condition as extremely delicate and has highlighted the urging of religious and opposition figures for him to end his hunger strike to save his life.