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The life of the Cuban political prisoner Félix Navarro Rodríguez, 70 years old, is in imminent danger in the Agüica prison, located in the province of Matanzas, according to a warning from the human rights organization Cubalex, which denounced inhumane conditions, denial of medical assistance, and an increasing lack of information regarding his health status.
"Through a phone call, a right that had been repeatedly denied to him since his imprisonment, his wife, Sonia Álvarez, noticed that Félix was very hoarse," says the statement.
Navarro, leader of the opposition Pedro Luis Boitel Democratic Party, was sentenced to nine years in prison following the protests of July 11, 2021, for alleged charges of assault and public disorder. He had been released in January as part of a dialogue process between the Cuban regime and the Vatican, but was arrested again on April 29 and returned to prison.
Alert due to critical health condition and lack of official information
According to Cubalex, the opposition figure shows a significant physical decline and alarming respiratory symptoms. A few days ago, he was transferred to Colón Hospital, where an X-ray and an ultrasound indicated a possible lung complication.
There he was diagnosed with pharyngitis and was prescribed a commonly used antibiotic to treat cases of tuberculosis, which has raised alarms about a potential exposure to contagion.
Concern is growing over the possibility that Navarro may have been previously confined in the prison infirmary alongside inmates exhibiting suspicious symptoms of tuberculosis, which could suggest deliberate exposure to infectious diseases.
His wife, Sonia Álvarez Campillo, reported this week that she was unaware of Navarro's whereabouts. State Security agents assured her that the Cuban opposition member remains in Agüica prison, but she has not been able to see him.
Álvarez was imprisoned three times and was not allowed to have contact with Navarro. They also did not provide any means for communication by phone, and she decided to report the violation of the opposition leader's human rights.
Denial of food and violation of human rights
In addition to the lack of access to appropriate medical care, the prison authorities have denied him access to food sent by his family, which constitutes a direct violation of basic human rights and a worsening factor for his already precarious health condition, particularly considering that Navarro is diabetic.
Cubalex demands immediate attention and intervention from international organizations. "These omissions are serious violations of human rights and endanger their lives," the organization stated, urging the international community to increase monitoring and public outcry regarding the case.
Navarro is one of the many Cuban opponents facing critical prison conditions for political reasons.
Various human rights organizations inside and outside of Cuba have called for his immediate release, pointing out that his health condition is incompatible with the Cuban prison system, which is characterized by overcrowding, inadequate nutrition, and poor medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Félix Navarro and repression in Cuba
What is Félix Navarro's current health status?
Félix Navarro is showing significant physical deterioration and alarming respiratory symptoms, as reported by the human rights organization Cubalex. He has been diagnosed with pharyngitis and has been prescribed an antibiotic commonly used to treat tuberculosis, raising concerns about possible exposure to infectious diseases within the prison.
Why was Félix Navarro arrested again?
Félix Navarro was arrested on the grounds of violations of his probation. According to Cuban authorities, he left his municipality without permission on several occasions, which led to his return to prison. However, human rights organizations argue that the real reason is political, given his leadership in the opposition to the Cuban regime.
What do human rights organizations report about the case of Félix Navarro?
Human rights organizations, such as Cubalex, denounce that the prison conditions of Félix Navarro constitute serious human rights violations. He has been denied access to food sent by his family and adequate medical care, which threatens his life. Furthermore, it is suspected that he may have been deliberately exposed to infectious diseases.
What actions are being taken to help Félix Navarro?
International organizations have demanded his immediate release and have urged the international community to increase diplomatic pressure on the Cuban regime. Cubalex and other human rights entities are calling for monitoring and public denouncements regarding the case to ensure Navarro's physical integrity.
How does Félix Navarro's detention affect his family?
The family of Félix Navarro is in a state of distress and uncertainty. His wife, Sonia Álvarez, has reported that she has no information about her husband's whereabouts and has been prevented from seeing him in prison. Additionally, their daughter Saylí Navarro, who is also a political prisoner, faces harsh prison conditions, further intensifying the family's situation.
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