Political prisoner Lisdani Rodríguez, a demonstrator from the July 11, 2021 protests in the Placetas municipality of Villa Clara, who is currently pregnant, received a one-year extrapenal license on Tuesday to complete her pregnancy at home.
Independent journalist Mónica Baró reported on Facebook that the young woman was granted the permission on Tuesday afternoon to "continue and carry her pregnancy to term at home, away from the inhumane conditions of prison."
Lisdani and her twin sister Lidiani, both 25 years old, were incarcerated in Guamajal women’s prison in Santa Clara, serving an eight-year sentence for participating in the July 11 protests.
Since last year, their mother, Bárbara Isaac Rojas, had denounced that Lisdani became pregnant during a conjugal visit and that the regime was attempting to force her to have an abortion. She also revealed that Lisdani had low hemoglobin levels due to the poor nutrition she received in prison.
Now, the July 11 protester will be in the company of her mother and her niece, Lidiani’s young daughter. Baró noted that Lisdani is six months pregnant (24 weeks) and requires special care due to a recent diagnosis of placenta previa.
This condition increases the risk of premature birth if necessary precautions are not taken, Bárbara explained to Cubanet. She stated that Lisdani was initially diagnosed with an anterior placenta at 22 weeks, but was not informed until two weeks later following a heart condition discovered in one of her tests.
Baró expressed her hope that Lisdani would not be separated from her child once born, and that her twin sister Lidiani would be released to be with her young daughter. "Neither of them has committed any crime, because exercising human rights is not a crime," she emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lisdani Rodríguez's Release and Pregnancy
Here are some common questions and answers related to the release of Lisdani Rodríguez and her pregnancy amidst the political tensions in Cuba.
Why was Lisdani Rodríguez imprisoned?
Lisdani Rodríguez was imprisoned for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba. She, along with her twin sister Lidiani, was sentenced to eight years in prison.
What is an extrapenal license?
An extrapenal license allows a prisoner to temporarily leave prison under certain conditions, often for humanitarian reasons such as health issues. In Lisdani's case, it allows her to complete her pregnancy at home.
What is placenta previa?
Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication where the placenta covers the cervix, increasing the risk of bleeding and premature birth. It requires careful monitoring and medical care.
What are the next steps for Lisdani Rodríguez?
Lisdani will remain at home to complete her pregnancy, under the care of her mother and with special medical attention due to her condition. Her family hopes she will not be separated from her child after birth and that her twin sister Lidiani will also be released.