The Cuban political prisoner Andy García Lorenzo, who was detained following the protests on July 11, 2021, has been on hunger strike for nine days, according to his family.
His sister, Roxana García Lorenzo, reported on Facebook that the young man began a hunger strike to demand the return of personal letters confiscated by prison authorities.
"Andy is not alone. Andy has a very close-knit family, and we will do everything possible, everything within our reach, to give him all the attention and support he needs right now," stated his father-in-law, Pedro López, during a livestream on his social media.
Critical health status
During a recent visit to the prison where Andy is held, his mother, Dairy Lorenzo, described him as "extremely thin, with sunken eyes and difficulty breathing." The family fears for his life, recalling that during a previous hunger strike, he was beaten and subjected to inhumane treatment.
"Andy could barely speak; he had to do so very slowly because he no longer had the strength," Dairy recounted, visibly affected by her son's fragile condition.
Report and call to action
In her statement, López reported that State Security intensified the harassment against the young man after his case gained media attention.
According to López, the regime had previously adopted a stance of "apparent calm" to avoid public denunciations, but that strategy changed following the family's ongoing campaigns advocating for their release.
"We are trying to contact Marco Rubio's office and several journalists to reinvigorate this case. I urge the families of the prisoners not to remain silent when the lives of their loved ones are at risk. Speak out at all times, because we are facing a repressive system that systematically employs violence and will not hesitate to inflict harm," said López.
International Reaction and Context
Andy García Lorenzo was sentenced to four years in prison for participating in the historic protests of July 11 in Santa Clara.
His case has been closely monitored by international organizations that have denounced the human rights violations against him and other political prisoners in Cuba, such as the one carried out by Human Rights Watch in October 2022.
The family, which has been the target of acts of repudiation and harassment by the repressors of the dictatorship, directly held the Cuban regime and State Security responsible for any physical or psychological harm that Andy may suffer.
On her social media, her sister urged the international community to apply pressure to ensure his safety: "Andy’s life depends on the pressure we can exert together.”
In December 2021, Andy received threats from State Security due to his family's initiative to create a network to assist other individuals imprisoned from the 11J protests in Cuba, as well as their families.
On her social media, her sister reported that he had been transferred to another prison and threatened due to the solidarity initiative by their family, "Help the Brave of 11J," through which they received money to donate food to political prisoners in Cuba.
In November 2022, his sister reported that the young man was being subjected to psychological torture, beatings, and mistreatment in the work camp where he was being held.
Frequently Asked Questions about Andy García's Hunger Strike and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why is Andy García on a hunger strike?
Andy García has commenced a hunger strike to demand the return of personal letters confiscated by prison authorities. This action is part of his fight for human rights within Cuban prisons, confronting a system that systematically violates the rights of political prisoners.
What is Andy García's current health status?
Andy García is in critical health, described as "extremely thin, with sunken eyes and difficulty breathing." His family fears for his life due to the conditions of the hunger strike and the inhumane treatment he has received in the past.
What actions is Andy García's family taking to help him?
Andy García's family is conducting a media campaign to raise awareness of his situation and seek international support. They have been trying to reach out to political figures and journalists to increase visibility of the case and exert pressure on the Cuban regime. Furthermore, they have urged other families of prisoners not to remain silent and to report any abuses.
What has the Cuban regime done in response to the protests of July 11th?
The Cuban regime has intensified harassment and repression against the demonstrators from July 11, including imprisonments and torture. Cases such as that of Andy García and other political prisoners have been reported by international human rights organizations, highlighting the systematic violations of rights on the island.
How has the international community reacted to the situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
The situation of political prisoners in Cuba, such as Andy García, has been condemned by international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch. The international community has been urged to exert pressure on the Cuban regime to ensure human rights and the integrity of political prisoners, calling for their immediate release.
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