The Cuban dissident Guillermo del Sol Pérez was rushed to the hospital on Friday in an unconscious state after reaching day 72 of his hunger strike. This information was shared by the platform Cuba Decide, led by Rosa María Payá, based on a report from the activist's son, Adrián del Sol Alfonso.
Del Sol's physical health has severely deteriorated after more than ten weeks without consuming solid food. According to his family, he has extremely high blood pressure and is experiencing severe chest pain. Physicians are planning to perform an electrocardiogram to assess his heart condition.
Alarming Health Indicators
This Tuesday, his son Adrián gave a stark depiction of his father's state, noting, "With blood pressure at a concerning 190/110 mmHg and blood sugar level plummeting to 3.3 mmol/L, Guillermo is on the brink of multi-organ failure or an imminent fatal outcome."
Born in Santa Clara in 1965, Del Sol initiated his hunger strike on June 19, demanding the release of 18 political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. His protest also calls for the reversal of the extrapenal license of Leonel Tristá García, a participant in the July 11 protests who was re-incarcerated in June 2026.
Minimal Progress in Prisoner Releases
Out of the 18 prisoners he advocates for, only Jonathan David Muir Burgos—the youngest political prisoner at age 16—was released on June 24. The remaining 17, including Félix Navarro Rodríguez, Donaida Pérez Paseiro, Saylí Navarro Álvarez, and José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez, remain incarcerated.
Del Sol's condition has worsened steadily over the weeks. By day 46, his situation was deemed critical; three days later, he reportedly expressed a wish to die. In mid-August, after collapsing, he was hospitalized at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital in Santa Clara, received intravenous hydration, and was discharged.
Hospitalization and Medical Rejection
On August 18, according to statements made to Árbol Invertido by his son, the provincial hospital denied re-admission due to "lack of criteria." Five days later, nearing 66 days of fasting, his blood pressure soared to 200/130, and his blood sugar dropped to 3.0 mmol/L.
The situation is dire given Del Sol's pre-existing conditions: type 2 diabetes, severe hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and a history of thrombosis, all of which exacerbate the effects of a prolonged hunger strike.
Cuba Decide and Del Sol's family hold Cuban authorities accountable for any potential irreversible consequences to his life. "Guillermo del Sol's life is in serious jeopardy. We hold the Cuban authorities responsible for any irreversible damage to his life and demand he receive adequate, continuous medical care without interference."
This is not Del Sol's first time engaging in a hunger strike for political reasons. Throughout his career as a dissident, he has undertaken at least 14 hunger strikes, including one lasting roughly 40 days in 2019, which also resulted in hospitalization in Santa Clara.
His family remains vigilant during these critical first hours of medical attention, hoping for any improvement in his condition.
Guillermo del Sol's Hunger Strike: Key Questions and Answers
Why did Guillermo del Sol start a hunger strike?
He began the hunger strike to demand the release of 18 political prisoners and to protest the re-incarceration of Leonel Tristá García.
What are Guillermo del Sol's health conditions?
Del Sol suffers from type 2 diabetes, severe hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and has a history of thrombosis, which make his hunger strike particularly dangerous.
What actions have been taken regarding Del Sol's condition?
He has been hospitalized and received intravenous hydration, but his family and Cuba Decide demand continuous medical care without interference.