On Monday, the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC) appointed Félix Navarro Rodríguez as the honorary president of their organization. This recognition comes while the seasoned dissident is serving his third term as a political prisoner at Agüica Prison in Matanzas.
The CTDC's executive committee officially announced the decision on August 3, 2026, praising Navarro as "a moral and civic beacon in the fight for freedom, human rights, and democracy in Cuba over the decades."
This honorary position originates from the CTDC's First Convention, held in the summer of 2025, when the idea was proposed to honor a founding member who embodied "trajectory, leadership, credibility, consistency, respect for institutions, civic humility, and a perpetual commitment to consensus," according to the official statement.
Navarro had previously held the position of vice president of CTDC, a role now to be filled by the next eligible candidate according to the last internal election results of the organization.
CTDC: A Platform for Change
Established on June 11, 2021, the CTDC serves as a unified platform for the Cuban opposition, aiming to facilitate a peaceful transition to democracy. It unites 46 organizations and independent activists both inside and outside Cuba.
The organization's inaugural president was José Daniel Ferrer, leader of UNPACU. In December 2025, the Council held internal elections with a 63% voter turnout, resulting in Manuel Cuesta Morúa taking over the presidency in mid-January of the current year.
A Life of Struggle and Resilience
Navarro's journey as a political prisoner is among the longest and most well-documented in Cuba. He was first imprisoned in 1992 for "enemy propaganda," receiving a sentence of nearly 20 months.
During the infamous Black Spring of March 2003, he was arrested again and sentenced to 25 years, with Amnesty International designating him a prisoner of conscience. He was released in 2011 without accepting exile, following negotiations between the Cuban regime, Spain, and the Catholic Church.
After the July 11, 2021 protests, Navarro was once more detained, receiving a nine-year sentence in 2022 for charges of assault and public disorder. He was granted parole on January 18, 2025, only to be re-imprisoned on April 29 of that year for allegedly leaving his municipality without authorization seven times.
At 73, suffering from diabetes and severe respiratory issues, Navarro endured a brutal beating in early April at Agüica, after which he was placed in solitary confinement and cut off from communication.
Family and International Advocacy
His daughter, Sayli Navarro Álvarez, is also a political prisoner, serving an eight-year sentence for her involvement in the 11J protests in Perico, Matanzas. Amnesty International recognized both as prisoners of conscience in October 2024. In May 2026, Sayli faced further penalties in prison after publicizing the attack on her father.
The CTDC's executive emphasized in their statement that honoring Navarro symbolizes "a further step towards institutional and symbolic strengthening" of the Council, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Félix Navarro and CTDC
Who is Félix Navarro?
Félix Navarro is a prominent Cuban dissident and political prisoner known for his long-standing advocacy for democracy and human rights in Cuba.
What is the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC)?
The CTDC is an organization founded to unite various opposition groups in Cuba with the aim of facilitating a peaceful transition to democracy.
Why was Félix Navarro imprisoned?
Navarro has been imprisoned multiple times for his opposition to the Cuban regime, facing charges such as "enemy propaganda" and public disorder.
Who is Sayli Navarro Álvarez?
Sayli Navarro Álvarez is Félix Navarro's daughter, also a political prisoner, sentenced for her participation in protests against the Cuban government.