After enduring 29 days without food, Cuban political prisoner Yosvani Rosell García Caso, a participant in the July 11th protests in Holguín, was transferred to the penal ward of the province's Clinical Surgical Hospital on November 19th, as confirmed by his wife, Mailin Rodríguez Sánchez.
In an audio message, Rodríguez shared that a prison officer contacted her at night to inform her of García Caso's transfer. However, she was not provided with specific details about his health, which is assumed to be critical due to the extended fast.
"He told me Yosvani was moved... but he didn't confirm his condition. He just maintains his stance of refusal," she recounted.
Expressing gratitude on Facebook, García Caso’s wife acknowledged the crucial role of public pressure in securing his hospitalization. "Thanks to everyone who has supported and raised awareness about my husband's situation... without you, the transfer wouldn't have been possible," she wrote.
She called for continued prayers for her husband and expressed frustration over the lack of precise medical information.
A Desperate Situation
García Caso, sentenced to 15 years for sedition following the July 11th protests, is viewed by activists as the most severe case among the political prisoners on hunger strike in prisons across Holguín, Matanzas, and Havana. Organizations like the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights have warned that his life is in jeopardy "with every passing minute."
A blacksmith by trade and father of three young children, García Caso has endured beatings, solitary confinement, and isolation since his incarceration. His history includes sit-ins, protest actions, and multiple previous hunger strikes. During one in 2022, he even refused essential medication for his heart condition.
Activists, family members, and neighbors have reported that the hunger strikers are isolated and cut off from communication, while authorities pressure families to persuade them to stop. In García Caso's instance, State Security allowed an exceptional visit from his wife in an attempt to break his protest.
Growing Outcry from Within and Beyond Cuba
The plight of Yosvani has sparked concern among exiled communities and human rights advocates. Holguín activist Edesio García, who was forced into exile, recently warned that the political prisoner was on the brink of physical collapse. "I think of his daughters and Mailin... he could die tomorrow," he posted on Facebook.
Even the U.S. Embassy in Havana has spoken out, condemning the mistreatment of political prisoners and demanding their immediate release. "It's alarming that July 11th prisoners like Yosvany Rosell García are on hunger strike... we join the call for their liberation," the diplomatic mission declared.
Insight into Cuban Political Prisoners
Why was Yosvani Rosell García Caso on a hunger strike?
Yosvani Rosell García Caso was on a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment and treatment as a political prisoner in Cuba. His strike was part of a broader movement among political prisoners to demand better conditions and their release.
What are the conditions for political prisoners in Cuba?
Political prisoners in Cuba often face harsh conditions, including solitary confinement, physical abuse, and lack of communication with the outside world. They may also experience pressure from authorities to abandon protests, such as hunger strikes.
How has the international community responded to the situation of Cuban political prisoners?
The international community, including organizations like the U.S. Embassy in Havana, has condemned the human rights abuses against Cuban political prisoners and called for their immediate release. Activists and exiled communities continue to raise awareness and apply pressure on the Cuban government.