Mexico/The health of Cuban political prisoner Yosvany Rosell García Caso continues to deteriorate after almost a month of hunger strike. The activist, sentenced to 15 years in prison for his participation in the protests of July 11, 2021, was emergency transferred, on the 19th, to the Clinical Surgical Hospital of Holguín. According to his wife, Mailin Sánchez, to 14ymedio, yesterday she was able to visit him and attend a medical consultation in which the doctors expressed their concern about possible irreversible dehydration and kidney failure.
Despite his physical deterioration, which is palpable in both his weight loss and the deterioration of his voice, Rosell remains firm in his position. “Do not ask me to stop my strike, I ask you to fight for my freedom,” was the message he sent, reaffirming that his refusal to receive treatment constitutes an act of radical protest against the unfair treatment he claims to have suffered inside the prison.
“Do not ask me to stop my strike, I ask you to fight for my freedom”
His family has been making an urgent call for days to international organizations to intervene immediately. They consider that the case shows a pattern of serious violations, both due to the prison conditions in which he has remained and the lack of humanitarian response to his protest.
Rosell began the strike on October 23, demanding a definitive change in his confinement regime. He denounces that prisoners considered opponents are subjected to constant pressure, prolonged isolation and practices that he describes as abusive. His family remembers that this is the seventh time that the activist has gone on a hunger strike, despite being hypertensive and suffering from heart disease, which increases the risks.
The family insists that every day counts and that international intervention could prevent a fatal outcome. Meanwhile, human rights organizations observe the activist’s evolution with alarm. They fear that the extension of their strike could trigger irreversible consequences. In the midst of this situation, auxiliary bishop Marcos Pirán requested a visit to verify his health, but they only responded that they would call him to confirm the date; so far it has not received authorization.
