Amnesty International has once again called for the unconditional and immediate release of Cuban political prisoner Roberto Pérez Fonseca. The organization has classified him as a prisoner of conscience, following reports from his family about his deteriorating health condition while incarcerated in Quivicán prison, located in Mayabeque.
"Cuban authorities must release Roberto Fonseca immediately and unconditionally. He is a prisoner of conscience detained solely for exercising his human rights. We reiterate this demand in light of his family's alerts about his worsening health," Amnesty International Americas stated on their X account.
The organization further warned that keeping Pérez Fonseca detained without timely medical attention exacerbates the violation of his rights. They insisted that while he remains in state custody, authorities should ensure he receives "adequate, immediate, and unobstructed" medical care.
Their statement concluded with a clear demand: "Roberto must be free!"
The Circumstances of Pérez Fonseca's Imprisonment
Roberto Pérez Fonseca, aged 43, is serving a 10-year prison sentence handed down by the Municipal Court of San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, following his involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests. He was arrested five days later in a raid involving over 20 police officers at his home.
He faced charges of assault, contempt, incitement to commit a crime, and public disorder. His principal "offense" was breaking a portrait of dictator Fidel Castro on the street alongside other demonstrators.
Roberto Pérez Fonseca, 38, is detained in Quivicán municipality awaiting a trial scheduled for Tuesday, September 28. His brother provided CiberCuba with copies of the prosecution's preliminary conclusions, demanding 12 years of imprisonment for the same charges.
Health Concerns and Family Alerts
His mother, Lisset Fonseca, explained to Martí Noticias how his health began to decline: "He called me on Monday saying he felt unwell, with fatigue. That's how it started. Then he developed a fever."
The situation worsened in the following days. "On Friday, he called and told me he was examined and informed he had pneumonia. A fellow inmate who is a doctor told him this because there was no doctor available in the prison. They started administering antibiotics, and since he has asthma, they were giving him aerosol treatments," she recounted.
His clinical symptoms—high fever, respiratory distress, and marked physical fatigue—are particularly alarming given his medical history, which includes asthma, chronic bronchitis, acute esophagitis, erythematous and congestive duodenitis, and duodenal ulcers, all of which have worsened during his imprisonment and frequent isolation in punishment cells.
Additionally, the organization Cubalex reported that other inmates in Quivicán exhibit similar symptoms—fever, headaches, and diarrhea—suggesting a potential undiagnosed dengue outbreak. Moreover, no medical staff are available in the prison infirmary after 4 PM.
International Response and Ongoing Struggles
Roberto's brother, activist Alberto Ortega Fonseca, residing in Canada, stated: "My brother is unjustly imprisoned for exercising his fundamental rights. Even setting aside the injustice of his incarceration, his deteriorating health alone is reason enough for his release and for him to receive immediate specialized medical attention."
The case has accumulated a history of ignored international condemnations. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared his imprisonment arbitrary in 2023 and called for his release. Amnesty International named him a prisoner of conscience in October 2024 alongside Félix Navarro, Sayli Navarro, and Luis Robles, and earlier this year accused authorities of delaying prison benefits for health-related reasons.
Quivicán prison has a documented history of inhumane conditions: in December 2024, inmate Yosvany Sánchez died there due to lack of medical care, and in July this year, a mother reported the prison's lack of water.
As of July 2026, Cuba recorded 1,327 political prisoners, a historic high according to Prisoners Defenders. Meanwhile, Cubalex documented 19 deaths under state custody by August 24.
FAQs on Roberto Pérez Fonseca's Situation
Why is Roberto Pérez Fonseca imprisoned?
Roberto Pérez Fonseca is imprisoned for his involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba, facing charges of assault, contempt, incitement to commit a crime, and public disorder.
What is the current state of Roberto Pérez Fonseca's health?
Roberto Pérez Fonseca's health has deteriorated significantly, with symptoms of high fever, respiratory distress, and physical fatigue, compounded by pre-existing conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.