Wilber Aguilar Bravo embarked on a grueling journey of over 180 miles from Havana to Sancti Spíritus on Thursday, hoping to see his son, political prisoner Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera. However, upon arrival at the Nieves Morejón prison, he was denied entry and unable to deliver even basic necessities. Wilber voiced his frustration in a video on Facebook, which quickly gained thousands of views.
"Today, October 8, I was turned back from Sancti Spíritus. I wasn’t allowed to bring food or anything. My son is left without food, deodorant, soap, nothing," Wilber shared, visibly distressed.
Lengthy Family Separation Continues
Wilber revealed that it had been 84 days since the family last saw Walnier. The authorities set the next permissible visit for November 20, extending the period of family separation to over three months.
Wilber described the situation as orchestrated, noting that the officials who blocked his visit were not the same as those from a previous incident in late August. Instead, they were new personnel from Havana.
"The ones from my last visit weren’t there. New people from Havana were present. It was all planned. They spoke to me threateningly," he reported.
State Surveillance and Harassment
Beyond denying him access, State Security agents monitored Wilber and his family in the city park, a common intimidation tactic known locally as "signing." "The parking lot was full of security, watching me," he pointed out.
This was not the first time the family faced such obstacles. Back in August, Wilber and his family waited for hours only to be told that the visit wasn't coordinated and needed to be arranged with State Security in Havana.
The harassment extends beyond travel disruptions. The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights recorded at least six repressive actions against Wilber in 2026, including interrogations, constant police surveillance at his home, and restrictions on leaving his residence. In July, a police patrol stationed itself outside his home during the anniversary of the July 11 protests.
Challenges in Seeking Justice
Walnier was arrested on July 20, 2021, at age 21, for his involvement in the July 11 protests in the La Güinera neighborhood. Initially sentenced to 23 years for sedition, his sentence was later reduced to 12 years after an appeal. He suffers from a borderline intellectual disability and an organic brain injury, conditions overlooked by the court, according to his father.
Since then, the regime has moved him further from his family, relocating him from the Combinado del Este to Agüica prison in Matanzas in November 2025, and finally to Nieves Morejón in January 2026. Wilber claims Walnier is the sole individual among the 17 co-defendants still imprisoned.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights granted precautionary measures to Walnier in July 2022, later extending them to Wilber and his family in Resolution 9/2025, after documenting surveillance, detentions, and threats. In his video, Wilber noted that the Cuban government’s deadline to respond to this measure was the following day, with no response yet received.
"I denounce here and fear for my son's life and mine. We are constantly pursued. If I go to the corner, security is there," he stated. He ended with a defiant message to those orchestrating the harassment: "If you want to kill me, kill me. I am not worried. I will always stay loyal to my son, my conscience, and my family."
The plight of Walnier is part of a larger issue. As of October 7, 2026, Prisoners Defenders reported 338 individuals still imprisoned due to the July 11 protests, among a total of 1,306 political prisoners in Cuba.
Understanding the Harsh Realities of Political Imprisonment in Cuba
Why was Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera imprisoned?
Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera was imprisoned for participating in the July 11 protests in Cuba. Initially, he was sentenced to 23 years for sedition, but this was reduced to 12 years after an appeal.
What challenges does Wilber Aguilar face in visiting his son?
Wilber Aguilar faces numerous challenges, including being denied visits, surveillance by State Security, and bureaucratic hurdles. His recent visit attempt was blocked by new personnel from Havana, preventing him from even delivering essential items to his son.
What steps have been taken by international organizations regarding Walnier's case?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has granted precautionary measures to Walnier and his family, recognizing the threats and surveillance they face. However, the Cuban government has yet to respond to these measures.