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Sonia Álvarez Campillo, wife of the Cuban political prisoner Félix Navarro, reported that she does not know the whereabouts or health status of her partner, amid rumors of a possible admission to the Matanzas Military Hospital.
Navarro, 70 years old, has a history of diabetes. In prison, his health condition has been very fragile for several weeks, which has caused great concern for Sonia as State Security does not allow her to see her husband.
In statements made to Martí Noticias, Sonia mentioned that on May 30, Navarro was transferred to the Colón hospital, where he underwent X-rays, an ultrasound, and was evaluated by a doctor. This information was communicated to her by a friend who witnessed the moment when prison officers took the opposition member to the health center.
"I heard that Félix was moved to the hospital in Matanzas, and I still don’t know anything because I spoke with the State Security officer, and he told me that Félix remains in the Agüica prison," Sonia stated.
The Dama de Blanco has also visited hospitals to seek information about her husband, but she has not had any success.
“Right now, I am coming from Colón and there is a doctor who works in room C of the hospital who was making comments in the street... Although she did not mention the name of the prisoner, she did say that the prisoner had been transferred to the Military Hospital of Matanzas due to lung problems,” added the activist.
"I've gone to the prison three times, and they haven't let me see him, nor have they given me a call with him. I made it very clear to them that until I speak with Félix, I will continue to say that he is in poor condition," Sonia stated, visibly concerned.
Félix Navarro is the leader of the Pedro Luis Boitel Democratic Party. He was sentenced to nine years in prison following the protests on July 11, 2021, for the alleged crimes of assault and public disorder. He had been released in January as part of the discussions between the Cuban regime and the Vatican, but was arrested again on April 29.
According to reports from the legal advisory center Cubalex, Navarro may have been deliberately exposed to a virus during his time in the prison infirmary, where he stayed for several days without apparent medical justification.
Various international organizations and human rights advocates have called for the immediate release of Navarro, stating that his health conditions are incompatible with the dire circumstances of the Cuban prison system, characterized by overcrowding, poor nutrition, and a lack of adequate medical care.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Félix Navarro and political prisoners in Cuba
What is the health status of Félix Navarro?
Félix Navarro is in critical health condition inside the maximum-security prison of Agüica, in Matanzas. His wife, Sonia Álvarez Campillo, has expressed concern for his condition due to a history of diabetes and lung issues that may have been exacerbated by inadequate conditions in prison.
Why was Félix Navarro arrested again?
Félix Navarro was arrested for allegedly violating his parole, according to the Cuban regime. They claim that he left his municipality without authorization, which led to his re-incarceration. However, human rights organizations report that his detention is part of a systematic political repression strategy against dissidents in Cuba.
What actions are international organizations taking regarding Félix Navarro?
Various international organizations have demanded the immediate release of Félix Navarro and other political prisoners in Cuba. They have condemned the inhumane conditions in Cuban prisons and the lack of adequate medical care, urging the international community to exert pressure on the Cuban regime to ensure the human rights of the detainees.
What is the situation of other political prisoners in Cuba?
The repression against political prisoners in Cuba remains severe. Many face extreme conditions of incarceration, a lack of medical attention, and severe restrictions on their communications. Organizations have documented over 1,150 political prisoners, although the actual number is believed to be higher due to the opacity of the Cuban prison system.
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