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The Cuban opposition leader Félix Navarro has reached the age of 72 this Wednesday incarcerated, ill, and without a definitive medical diagnosis, as reported by his wife, Sonia Álvarez Campillo, in a statement shared on social media.
Navarro is imprisoned in Agüica prison, located in the province of Matanzas, under conditions that activists and family members describe as cruel and negligent.
"They took him to Havana on June 30 for medical tests, but as of today (July 10), we do not know the results, because he has not been allowed the phone call that he is entitled to," his wife reported, holding the State Security directly responsible for whatever may happen to him.
Sentenced for the 11J and victim of an arbitrary return to prison
Félix Navarro, leader of the opposition Party for Democracy Pedro Luis Boitel, was arrested during the protests on July 11, 2021, and sentenced to nine years in prison for the alleged crimes of "assault" and "public disorder."
In January of this year, he was released as part of a dialogue process between the Cuban regime and the Vatican, but the relief was short-lived: he was detained again on April 29 and returned to prison without any clarification regarding the procedural reasons for this action.
Critical alert for deteriorating health
At the beginning of June, according to the organization Cubalex, Navarro exhibited severe respiratory symptoms, a concerning physical deterioration, and was recently diagnosed with pharyngitis. At the Colón Hospital, medical tests indicated a possible pulmonary complication, and doctors prescribed a commonly used antibiotic for tuberculosis cases, raising serious concerns.
Even more serious is the possibility that he may have been held alongside inmates showing symptoms consistent with tuberculosis, which —according to his family and advocates— could represent a deliberate exposure to infectious diseases within the prison.
"Freedom for Félix Navarro and all political prisoners."
Navarro's case is just one among dozens of political prisoners from the 11J protests who are facing inhumane conditions in Cuban prisons. On his 72nd birthday, human rights organizations reiterated their call for his immediate release.
"We hold the Cuban regime responsible for his health. Freedom for Félix and for all political prisoners. Homeland and Life!" his wife stated.
Félix Navarro is one of the most visible faces of peaceful dissent in Cuba. Today, his life is in danger after decades of activism. The regime's indifference to his health condition is another reminder of the political punishment faced by those who dissent in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation of Félix Navarro and political prisoners in Cuba
Who is Félix Navarro and why is he imprisoned?
Félix Navarro is a Cuban opposition leader and head of the Pedro Luis Boitel Democratic Party. He was arrested during the protests on July 11, 2021, and sentenced to nine years in prison for the alleged crimes of "assault" and "public disorder." Despite being released in January 2025 following dialogue between the Cuban regime and the Vatican, he was re-arrested in April of the same year without clarity on the procedural reasons.
What is Félix Navarro's current health status?
Félix Navarro's health condition is critical and has significantly deteriorated in prison. He is showing severe respiratory symptoms and alarming physical decline. He has been diagnosed with pharyngitis and there are concerns that he may have been exposed to tuberculosis due to his confinement alongside other inmates with symptoms consistent with this illness.
Why is Félix Navarro's situation in prison concerning?
The situation of Félix Navarro in prison is concerning due to the inhumane conditions and lack of adequate medical care he is facing. Furthermore, he has been denied access to food sent by his family, which further complicates his health situation. Exposure to infectious diseases and the lack of an accurate medical diagnosis increase the risk to his life.
What actions have human rights organizations taken regarding the case of Félix Navarro?
Various human rights organizations have demanded the immediate release of Félix Navarro. Cubalex, among others, has reported on the inhumane conditions in which he is being held and has urged the international community to increase monitoring and public denunciations regarding his case. These organizations emphasize that his health condition is incompatible with the Cuban prison system.
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