HAVANA, Cuba – A prominent Cuban opposition activist remains in critical condition after suffering cardiac arrest during a prolonged hunger strike protesting his detention on political charges. Roilan Alvarez Rensoler, 40, was resuscitated by medical staff but faces imminent risk to his life according to human rights organizations monitoring his case.
The activist, affiliated with opposition movements Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and Cuba Decide, initiated his hunger strike following his January 31 detention in Holguin province. Authorities charged him with “propaganda against the constitutional order” for allegedly displaying anti-government posters and defacing a billboard featuring former leader Fidel Castro.
His deteriorating health necessitated hospitalization on March 4, though family members report being denied access to his medical facility. “His situation is quite delicate,” stated his sister, Arianna Alvarez Rensoler, in communications with international media.
The case has drawn international attention, with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights issuing an urgent call for his immediate release alongside all individuals detained for political reasons. This development occurs amidst limited prisoner releases following Vatican-mediated discussions between Cuban authorities and various stakeholders.
According to monitoring group Justicia11J, which tracks arrests stemming from the massive July 2021 anti-government protests, Cuba currently holds at least 760 political prisoners. Among these, 358 were detained during the historic 2021 demonstrations, though Cuban officials consistently deny holding political prisoners, characterizing dissidents as foreign-backed mercenaries.
The Cuban government recently acknowledged plans to release 51 prisoners through diplomatic channels, with 14 July 2021 protesters already freed according to independent verifications. Hunger strikes remain a recurrent protest method among detained government critics in Cuba’s penal system, highlighting ongoing tensions between authorities and opposition movements.