The Cuban political prisoner Fernando Eloy González Herrera, 36, who suffers from tongue cancer, has been released on a one-year extra penal license. Adriano Castañeda, an independent journalist, reported that "González contracted cancer while imprisoned in Canaleta Prison, located in the province of Ciego de Ávila."
He has been battling the disease for nine months without receiving proper medical attention, according to Castañeda. "Everyone knows it, I've had this problem for nine months and haven't been given the care I needed. Now the cancer has advanced, eating away at the tip and sides of my tongue, and they refuse to take me for surgery," the political prisoner denounced from the Morón health center in a phone call with Castañeda, as cited by Martí Noticias.
González Herrera was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of assault, contempt, and public disorder following the July 11, 2021 protests in Ciego de Ávila. He was arrested at his home in the middle of the night by State Security agents, hours after participating in a protest. The arrest was made without showing a warrant, and he was taken away naked, not allowed even to dress, as reported by the Facebook group "Justicia 11J."
"This is the first time he has been able to share his situation; he is one of many July 11 prisoners whose current status was unknown," Castañeda described the communication with González.
A few days ago, the political prisoner was transferred to the penal ward of the Morón Hospital in Ciego de Ávila. On Saturday, August 11, he was placed in an open ward and later discharged, according to Castañeda. "He says he fears for his life, and they had to move him to the penal ward because they saw the situation was serious, but they haven't acted quickly," the journalist told Martí Noticias.
González's brother, Danelles Castillo Herrera, confirmed via WhatsApp that Fernando had been released and was at their parents' house, Eloy González and Bertha Herrera, as noted by political prisoner Carlos Michael Morales.
FAQs on Fernando Eloy González Herrera's Release
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the release of Fernando Eloy González Herrera, a July 11 protest prisoner suffering from tongue cancer.
Why was Fernando Eloy González Herrera imprisoned?
Fernando Eloy González Herrera was imprisoned on charges of assault, contempt, and public disorder following the July 11, 2021, protests in Ciego de Ávila.
How long has González Herrera been suffering from tongue cancer?
González Herrera has been suffering from tongue cancer for nine months without receiving proper medical care.
What prompted his release?
He was released on a one-year extra penal license due to the severity of his tongue cancer and the inadequate medical attention he received while imprisoned.