Amnesty International has launched a campaign calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Cuban activists Donaida Pérez Paseiro and Loreto Hernández García. The organization has designated them as prisoners of conscience, currently held at Guamajal prison in Villa Clara.
The report highlights that, at the beginning of October, the couple reported severe health issues, inadequate medication and nutrition, and a lack of sufficient medical care.
Among the documented health conditions are ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes with diabetic polyneuropathy, along with episodes of loss of consciousness.
Amnesty International is also calling for reparations for the human rights violations they have endured, including racial and religious discrimination, and demands that the couple receive immediate and appropriate medical treatment.
Background on Arrests and Sentences
Loreto Hernández García, president of the Free Yorubas of Cuba Association and a Yoruba priest, was arrested shortly after the July 11 protests and sentenced in February 2022 to seven years in prison for contempt and public disorder.
Donaida Pérez Paseiro, who also leads the organization and is a Yoruba priestess, was sentenced to eight years on the same charges in a trial that Amnesty International deemed unfair and lacking sufficient evidence.
Political Pressure and Health Deterioration
Donaida was released from prison in January 2025 as part of a group of 553 inmates granted early release, but the Provincial People's Court of Villa Clara revoked her parole on June 11, citing failure to attend a court hearing and employment irregularities.
Human rights organizations attribute this decision to political motives: after her release, Donaida continued to publicly demand the freedom of her husband and other prisoners of conscience.
On top of health complaints, reports indicate that the couple faces pressure to accept exile as a condition for release. State Security agents have reportedly approached Loreto, requesting foreign documents to facilitate their departure from Cuba.
Former political prisoner Jorge Luis García Pérez "Antúnez", Loreto's maternal brother, confirmed these contacts, noting the couple's declining health has led them to consider exile as an option. He stated, "The abysmal conditions they face have led them to decide on exile."
Donaida, however, declared her intentions clearly: "They know that once we are out of prison, we will continue our fight for Cuba's freedom."
Documented Health Concerns
The couple's health deterioration has been under scrutiny for months. In April, Loreto's daughter, Rosabel Sánchez, reported after a visit that her father was suffering from severe respiratory problems, unbalanced diabetes, pancreatitis, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension, while Donaida was experiencing chronic bone pain and dangerously high blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Amnesty International Campaign for Cuban Activists
What are the health conditions affecting Donaida Pérez and Loreto Hernández?
Both activists suffer from ischemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes with diabetic polyneuropathy, and have experienced loss of consciousness.
Why has Amnesty International called for their release?
Amnesty International demands their release because it considers them prisoners of conscience, pointing to unfair trials, insufficient evidence, and serious health issues without adequate medical care.
How has the Cuban government responded to these demands?
The Cuban government has not publicly responded to Amnesty International's demands, but human rights organizations believe political motives are behind their continued imprisonment.