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The traditional vigil that gathers dozens of Cuban exiles each week in front of the Versailles restaurant on 8th Street in Miami dedicated its latest meeting to the health and freedom of political prisoner Yosvany Rosell García Caso.
The event, organized by "Exilio Unido Ya", coincided with the moment when the young political prisoner decided to end his hunger strike after 40 days without consuming food, as confirmed by his wife from Holguín.
"It was a night of faith, hope, and unity for the freedom of Cuba. We prayed for Yosvany and for all the political prisoners who are unjustly suffering in the regime's prisons," said one of the attendees at the vigil, amid prayers, lit candles, and shouts of 'Homeland and Life!'.
Participants offered prayers for the recovery of the political prisoner and recalled that the fight for his release symbolizes the resilience of the Cuban people against the dictatorship, according to a video shared by journalist Maylin Legañoa.
"This is a vigil for the political prisoners who cannot see their children grow," those present stated.
Showing photos of García Caso, an activist said, "these are the true victims of repression in Cuba" and urged that the "situations" in which prisoners sacrifice their lives for the freedom of the people should not be allowed to become "normalized."
"We no longer need more martyrs, we do not need more victims of tyranny, we are not willing to forgive another death; we only want Cuba to live in freedom without any conditions," he emphasized.
The Monday vigil in front of Versailles has been a tradition for over two decades in the Cuban exile community.
Every week, activists, opposition members, and community members gather to demand the freedom of political prisoners and an end to repression on the island.
The iconic restaurant has become a meeting point and a symbol of civic resistance.
"The Cuban people are not alone. From Miami, we continue to raise our voices until all political prisoners are free," the organizers stated at the end of the event, which was attended by historical exiles and recently arrived youth.
Yosvany Rosell ended his hunger strike late on Monday night, but he is still in critical condition in a hospital in Holguín.
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