The family of the political prisoner from the 11J protests, Dixan Gaínza Moré, demanded from the Cuban regime proof of life for the prisoner, who began a hunger strike five days ago in protest against being confined to a punishment cell in the maximum-security prison Kilo 8 in Camagüey.
“We don't know anything about him,” said Gaínza's sister, Disney Azahares Moré, in a video shared this Tuesday on the social media platform X by journalist José Raúl Gallego.
The young woman conveyed the family's concern about the health status of the political prisoner, who suffers from high blood pressure and had hepatitis, “very severe, and that can affect him,” she emphasized.
“Nobody is communicating with us; they can’t tell us anything,” he stated. “We can’t take it anymore; we’re on edge. We can’t sleep without power, and on top of that, these things that are happening.”
“Freedom and faith in the life of my brother. We can’t take it anymore, we can’t take it anymore!”, she exclaimed desperately.
Gaínza Moré, 38 years old and sentenced to prison by the regime after peacefully protesting in Camagüey on July 11, 2021, declared a hunger strike five days ago in protest of being placed in a punishment cell simply for greeting another political prisoner.
According to the independent organization Cubalex, last Thursday Gaínza Moré "was threatened with disciplinary action by Officer Primelles, simply for greeting another political prisoner."
In response to the warning, "he peacefully manifested by shouting: 'Homeland and Life,' 'Down with Díaz-Canel,' and 'Down with communism,'" and for this reason, he was transferred to a punishment cell for 15 days.
"Officer Primelles, already noted for reprisals and assaults against other inmates, is known for cracking down on those who report abuses within the prison. Dixan has been a victim of these reprisals for exposing the violence experienced in prison," stated Cubalex.
The statement emphasized that the family "has not received any news about his health status. Dixan is hypertensive and is not receiving medical attention or the necessary medications to manage his condition, which puts his life in serious danger."
Gaínza Moré is a member of the opposition group Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU) and was sentenced to six years in prison for protesting in El Cristo Park, in the center of the city of Camagüey, during the social explosion of the summer of 2021.
In previous years, the political prisoner has conducted several hunger strikes to demand his freedom and to protest against the ongoing abuse and mistreatment he has endured in prison.
During a hunger and thirst strike in April 2023, he requested a change to house arrest, to be able to take care of his grandparents, who depended on him before his arbitrary imprisonment.
Gaínza Moré's health has deteriorated in recent years due to several illnesses contracted while in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hunger Strike of Dixan Gaínza Moré and the Situation in Cuban Prisons
Why is Dixan Gaínza Moré on a hunger strike?
Dixan Gaínza Moré has declared a hunger strike in protest for being confined to a punishment cell in Kilo 8 prison, Camagüey, after greeting another political prisoner. This action aims to denounce the injustice of his treatment and the inhumane conditions in Cuban prisons.
What is the health status of Dixan Gaínza Moré during the hunger strike?
The family of Dixan Gaínza Moré has expressed great concern for his health, as he suffers from hypertension and is not receiving the necessary medical care or medication to manage his condition, which puts his life seriously at risk during the hunger strike.
What has the organization Cubalex reported regarding the case of Dixan Gaínza Moré?
Cubalex has reported that Dixan Gaínza Moré was threatened with disciplinary action for greeting another political prisoner and, in response, was placed in a punishment cell. The organization emphasizes that Gaínza has been a victim of reprisals for exposing the violence within prisons and condemns the systematic repression in Cuban jails.
What actions is Dixan Gaínza Moré's family taking?
The family of Dixan Gaínza Moré has requested a certificate of life for the prisoner from the Cuban regime, expressing their desperation due to the lack of information about his status. They are making public calls to demand his freedom and raise awareness of his situation before the international community.
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