The Cuban political prisoner Yosvani Rosell García Caso, one of the protesters from the July 11 demonstrations in Holguín, was transferred on November 19 to the inmate ward of the Clinical Surgical Hospital in the province after completing 29 days on a hunger strike, confirmed his wife, Mailin Rodríguez Sánchez.
Rodríguez stated in an audio message that a prison officer called her at night to inform her about the transfer, although they did not provide any details regarding her health, which is believed to be critical due to the prolonged hunger strike.
“He told me that Yosvani was transferred… but he didn’t confirm his condition. Only that he remains firm in his stance,” he reported.
In a post on Facebook, the wife expressed her gratitude for the support received and acknowledged that public pressure was crucial in securing the hospitalization.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported and raised awareness about my husband's situation… without you, his transfer would not have been possible," she wrote.
He asked to continue a prayer chain for the father of the family and reported that he is still without accurate medical information.
A case on the brink
García Caso, sentenced to 15 years for sedition following the 11J protests, is regarded by activists as the most critical case within the group of political prisoners who are on a hunger strike in prisons in Holguín, Matanzas, and Havana. Organizations such as the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights have warned that his life is in danger “with every passing minute.”
The young man, a blacksmith by trade and father of three minors, has been a victim of beatings, punishment cells, and isolation since his imprisonment. His history includes sit-ins, acts of protest, and multiple previous hunger strikes. During one of these, in 2022, he even refused essential medication for his heart condition.
Activists, family members, and neighbors have reported that the strikers are isolated and cut off from communication, while the authorities are pressuring their families to persuade them to abandon the strike. In García Caso's case, State Security only allowed an exceptional visit from his wife in an attempt to break the protest.
A cry that grows inside and outside of Cuba
The situation of Yosvani has raised concerns within the community of exiles and human rights defenders. The Holguin activist Edesio García, who was forced into exile, warned days ago that the political prisoner was on the verge of physical collapse. “I think of his daughters and Mailin... he could die tomorrow”, he wrote on Facebook.
Even the United States Embassy in Havana spoke out, condemning the abuses against political prisoners and demanding their immediate release. “It is alarming that prisoners from the 11J, such as Yosvany Rosell García, are on hunger strike... we join their call for liberation,” the diplomatic mission stated.
Filed under: