SAN LUIS POTOSI, Mexico.- Jose Rodriguez Herradaconvicted of peacefully participating in protests against the Cuban regime in Caibarién on July 11, 2021, was released from prison this Friday, as confirmed Marti News.
Independent journalist Carlos Michael Morales told the news outlet that Rodríguez Herrada was released after serving his entire sentence in the Guamajal prison in the city of Santa Clara.
“He was characterized by maintaining his principles, his convictions and on many occasions he denounced the violations of human rights that were committed in Cuban prisons, mainly in that Guamajal prison, which is where he practically served his entire sentence,” Carlos Michael Morales told Marti News.
The independent reporter posted a picture on social media of the welcome given by the political prisoner’s family and neighbors: with balloons and flags, and a “Welcome Home” sign, they waited for Rodríguez Herrada.
When he arrived home, his wife, son and mother were waiting for him, and they welcomed him into the house with kisses, hugs and tears.
He political prisoner53, was accused of leading the march against the regime in Caibarién, despite verbal and graphic testimonies denying it.
The organization Justice 11J He claimed that videos of his presence at the protest showed that his participation was peaceful. However, he was charged with public disorder and sentenced to three years and six months in prison. His appeal was dismissed.
Other protesters from Caibarién, including Carlos Michael Morales Rodríguez, were convicted for the events of 11J: Javier Delgado Torna, Ysel Fumero Tuero and Magdiel Rodríguez García.
Morales, also released from prison, was transferred home to serve an eight-month sentence of house arrest.
The promoter of the citizen initiative Cuba Decides His health is in a very poor state after his time in prison.
In 73 days of imprisonment, the opposition activist and independent communicator Carlos Michael Morales Rodriguez He went on two hunger strikes that lasted 45 days.
The hunger strikes have left him very thin and weak. Morales Rodriguez told CubaNet that he is undergoing several medical examinations after which he will have to be evaluated by specialists.
During his detention, Morales reported that he had been beaten and deprived of medical care. He also said that State Security offered him freedom in exchange for publicly breaking his ties with the opposition, an offer he categorically rejected. He was released in July after being sentenced to eight months of house arrest.
