Yunaykis de la Caridad Linares Rodríguez, a former political prisoner from the July 11 protests, was transferred this Tuesday from the Vivac detention center to the Western Women's Prison, known as "El Guatao," in Havana, as reported by the organization Cubalex. Her stepfather, Luis Alberto Reyes López, who was arrested alongside her on June 2, was taken to Valle Grande Prison.
The pair had been apprehended during a neighborhood protest in Santa Amalia, Arroyo Naranjo, sparked by power outages lasting more than 20 hours a day. Yunaykis, who was released on parole in January 2025 after serving part of an eight-year sentence for her involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests, is now facing what Cubalex describes as a potential revocation of her parole.
The family has not received any formal documentation justifying this action.
Uncertainty Surrounds Yunaykis' Hunger Strike
Activist Tania Tasé, who shared the news on social media, raised concerns about whether Yunaykis is continuing her hunger and thirst strike. "We do not know if she has eaten or continues the hunger strike, as her mother has been unable to speak with her," Tasé wrote.
Yunaykis began the hunger strike on June 5 after reporting being beaten, suffocated, and denied water and medical care since her arrest. On June 9, Cubalex reported that she was one of three female political prisoners in such a dire situation.
Communication Attempts and Concerns over Repression Tactics
According to the legal defense organization, Yunaykis attempted to make a phone call from El Guatao, but the call was abruptly disconnected. Her family remains uninformed about her condition and has no scheduled visit.
The transfer to El Guatao was originally planned for June 11 but did not occur due to a fuel shortage, as Cubalex noted on June 12. The organization also warned of the potential risk of psychiatric transfers being used as a repression tactic.
El Guatao's Notorious Reputation
El Guatao prison is notorious for documented cases of mistreatment, torture, lack of medical care, and the use of transfers to the Mazorra psychiatric hospital against political prisoners.
Yunaykis' case highlights a pattern of repression against those who took part in the July 11 demonstrations and those protesting living conditions on the island. She was violently detained on June 2 and later publicly reported the assaults she suffered during her detention at the Vivac.
Cubalex has held the Cuban regime accountable for the lives and safety of both detainees and demanded their immediate release: "Protesting is a right, not a crime."
Key Questions About Yunaykis Linares' Situation
What triggered the arrest of Yunaykis Linares and her stepfather?
Yunaykis Linares and her stepfather were arrested during a neighborhood protest in Santa Amalia, Arroyo Naranjo, which was sparked by prolonged power outages exceeding 20 hours daily.
Why is Yunaykis Linares' parole potentially being revoked?
Cubalex suggests that Yunaykis Linares may be facing a revocation of her parole without formal documentation or clear justification, as a form of political repression.