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The Lady in White and former political prisoner from Cuba Yolanda Santana Ayala passed away early Wednesday morning at the "Julio Trigo" Hospital in Havana due to respiratory failure.
His passing represents a significant loss for the Cuban dissent and the human rights movement on the island.
The leader of the Ladies in White, Berta Soler Fernández, confirmed the news through her social media, expressing her sorrow over Santana Ayala's passing. "The Ladies in White are in mourning. Rest in peace, sister Yolanda," wrote Soler, who emphasized the courage and commitment of the activist to the struggle for democracy in Cuba.
The body of Santana Ayala will be laid to rest at the Arroyo funeral home (Mauline) located in La Palma, Arroyo Naranjo municipality, and not at the Zanja funeral home, as initially reported. The news has elicited expressions of condolences and recognition from various sectors of the Cuban opposition.
María Cristina Labrada, also a member of the opposition movement, expressed her sorrow over the passing of her fellow activist and stated on her social media that the news has deeply affected all members of the organization.
On his part, the opposition figure José Díaz Silva pointed out that the activist was "a symbol of courage and resilience in the fight for human rights" and assured that her legacy will remain in the memory of those who stand firm in the cause for a free Cuba.
Yolanda Santana Ayala was arrested and imprisoned in 2018 for refusing to pay multiple fines imposed by State Security due to her political activism. She spent a year and a half in prison and, after her release, continued her fight for the release of political prisoners on the island.
Throughout his life, he faced constant harassment from the authorities, who even took reprisals against his family members.
With her death, Cuba loses one of its tireless defenders of human rights, a woman who, despite repression, never wavered in her commitment to freedom and justice.
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