The citizen initiative CubaDecide's Complaint Center has raised alarm over the violent assault on political prisoner Félix Navarro Rodríguez, aged 72, in the Agüica prison in Matanzas. The attack reportedly occurred after the conclusion of his family visit, which is scheduled every 50 days.
According to the report, Officer Yoslén Pedroso Sotolongo, chief of internal order at the prison, confronted Navarro as soon as he met his wife. Pedroso ordered an exhaustive search of all his belongings to prevent any notes from being taken out.
Following the visit from his wife, activist and Lady in White Sonia Álvarez, Navarro was accosted on his way to the infirmary. He faced insults, physical assault, was handcuffed, and subsequently placed in solitary confinement under Pedroso's orders. He remains there, completely isolated.
This situation is particularly alarming considering Navarro suffers from diabetes, serious respiratory issues, and other health concerns.
Pattern of Abuse in Cuban Prisons
Activist Anamely Ramos expanded on the complaint through Facebook, providing a detailed profile and photograph of the alleged aggressor.
"If this information is confirmed, Yoslén Pedroso Sotolongo bears direct responsibility for the beating. He is known for a history of abuse, violence, and humiliation against prisoners, particularly political ones. For years, he's acted with impunity within this prison, systematically employing physical and psychological punishment," she stated.
Ramos documented several previous incidents attributed to this officer: an assault on William R. Fuentes, who ended up in Colón hospital with three broken ribs; an attack on Jaime Ezequiel, who was dragged and beaten on stairs; and a brutal beating in 2025 that left another inmate with exposed hand bones.
"These are not isolated incidents but a sustained pattern of cruelty over the years within the prison system," she emphasized.
Political Reprisals and Health Concerns
Navarro, coordinator of the Pedro Luis Boitel Pro-Democracy Movement, is serving a nine-year sentence for his involvement in the July 11 protests. After being sentenced in March 2022, he was granted parole on January 18, 2025, only to be re-arrested three months later.
During this time, his health has significantly deteriorated. "I feel like I'm nearing the end," he remarked during a phone call last May, struggling to speak due to severe lung pain.
The Complaint Center described this attack as political retaliation, stressing that Navarro is a sick man, which heightens the danger to his life. Furthermore, his daughter Saylí, also incarcerated, has been unable to see him for over 140 days, despite regulations allowing for visits every 45 days.
Echoing these concerns, Anamely Ramos called the event a breaking point in Félix Navarro's situation.
"Neither his age, condition, nor the respect he commands have sufficed to curb the violence. Félix should never have been imprisoned. Anything that happens to him is a direct consequence of the revocation that sent him back to jail, when it's publicly known that he is an innocent man," she stressed.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Prisons
Who is Félix Navarro?
Félix Navarro Rodríguez is a 72-year-old political prisoner and coordinator of the Pedro Luis Boitel Pro-Democracy Movement. He is currently serving a nine-year sentence for his role in the July 11 protests in Cuba.
What are the health concerns for Félix Navarro?
Félix Navarro suffers from diabetes, severe respiratory issues, and other health problems, making his imprisonment and recent assault particularly concerning.
Who is Yoslén Pedroso Sotolongo?
Yoslén Pedroso Sotolongo is the chief of internal order at Agüica prison in Matanzas, Cuba. He is accused of a history of violence and abuse against prisoners, particularly political detainees.
Why is Félix Navarro's case significant?
Navarro's case highlights the ongoing political repression in Cuba, as well as the broader issues of human rights violations and abuse within the Cuban prison system.