Independent journalist and activist Guillermo del Sol Pérez has reached a dire state of health as he enters day 46 of his hunger strike this Sunday, his life hanging in the balance. His son relayed this alarming update to Martí Noticias.
Based in Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Del Sol began his protest on June 19, 2026, demanding the release of 18 political prisoners from the Cuban regime. He strategically chose this number, understanding the regime's reluctance to free all prisoners.
His son, Adrián del Sol Alfonso, detailed the alarming deterioration of his father's health: Del Sol has shed over 30 pounds, and his dehydration is so acute that consuming liquids has become a significant challenge.
"Drinking water is incredibly difficult because he is almost entirely dehydrated at a muscular level," Adrián del Sol Alfonso warned.
Chronic Illnesses Exacerbate Crisis
The situation is compounded by several chronic conditions affecting the activist: type 2 diabetes, severe hypertension, chronic asthma, heart disease, and a history of thrombosis.
The local clinic's doctor, who regularly checks his vital signs, has observed fluctuating glucose levels and dangerously unstable blood pressure, significantly increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Medical Experts Sound the Alarm
Cuban doctor Eduardo Enrique Herrera Durán, now in asylum in Brazil, labeled the situation "a medical emergency requiring specialized monitoring." He warned that the combination of diabetes and prolonged fasting "could lead to severe consequences such as metabolic instability, cardiovascular disturbances, and kidney failure, among other serious health conditions."
The Faces Behind the Protest
Among those Del Sol fights for is Mayelín Rodríguez Prado, sentenced to 15 years for broadcasting the Nuevitas protests on Facebook in 2022. Others include Donaida Pérez Paseiro, Saylí Navarro Álvarez, Félix Navarro Rodríguez, José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez, and the Martín Perdomo brothers, among others.
A pivotal case igniting Del Sol's protest involves Leonel Tristá García, a 11J prisoner whose extrapenal license was revoked in June 2026, leading to his return to Guamajal prison to finish an eight-year sentence.
A Long History of Hunger Strikes
Born in 1965 and a member of Cuba Decide, Del Sol has undertaken at least 14 hunger strikes throughout his life as an activist. In August 2019, he was hospitalized in Santa Clara after a 40-day fast protesting a travel ban imposed on his son.
The Defense Denunciation Center (CD) has appealed to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for urgent protective measures to safeguard Del Sol's life and well-being, demanding independent medical care and an end to harassment by the Cuban state. As of now, there has been no public response from the IACHR.
FAQs on Guillermo del Sol's Hunger Strike
What prompted Guillermo del Sol's hunger strike?
Guillermo del Sol initiated his hunger strike to demand the release of 18 political prisoners from the Cuban regime.
What are the health risks associated with his hunger strike?
The hunger strike poses significant health risks, including severe dehydration, metabolic instability, cardiovascular disturbances, and potential kidney failure, exacerbated by his chronic illnesses.
Has there been any international response to his situation?
The Defense Denunciation Center has requested urgent protective measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, though no public resolution has been announced.