Lisdani Rodríguez, a political prisoner and protester from the July 11, 2021 demonstrations in Placetas, Villa Clara, who is currently pregnant, has spoken out to independent Cuban media about the harsh realities of prison life. "Life in prison is bad, and even worse when you're a political prisoner," the young woman told Cubanet, an independent Cuban news outlet.
Rodríguez shared that "you're constantly forced to stand at attention, you're coerced, mistreated. The State Security is always there, threatening, just like they threatened my mother," she recounted in a two-and-a-half-minute video clip. She added that authorities will fabricate situations to get prisoners into trouble "just for thinking differently."
Rodríguez firmly stated that participating in the July 11 protest is not a crime, asserting that it was merely "exercising a right." She described prison conditions as dire, noting that "there is no water, the food is horrible, and the guards mistreat the prisoners. It's tough, everything is very tough."
During the interview, Rodríguez reiterated that she and her sister are innocent of all charges against them. "We are only incarcerated for thinking differently." She also expressed gratitude to those who have shown her support during this challenging time.
At the end of May, Rodríguez received a special one-year release to complete her pregnancy at home. Independent journalist Mónica Baró announced on Facebook that Rodríguez was granted the permit to "continue and carry her pregnancy to term at home, away from the inhumane conditions of the prison."
Lisdani and her twin sister Lidiani, both 25 years old, were detained at the Guamajal Women's Prison in Santa Clara, serving an eight-year sentence for their participation in the July 11 protests. Last year, their mother, Bárbara Isaac Rojas, reported that Lisdani had become pregnant during a conjugal visit and that the regime had attempted to force her to have an abortion. She also noted that Lisdani's hemoglobin levels were low due to the poor nutrition she received in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac's Imprisonment
Below are some common questions and answers regarding the situation of Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac, a pregnant political prisoner in Cuba.
Why was Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac imprisoned?
Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac was imprisoned for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests in Placetas, Villa Clara. She is serving an eight-year sentence for her involvement in the demonstrations.
What are the conditions like in the prison where Lisdani is held?
According to Lisdani Rodríguez, the prison conditions are dire. There is no water, the food is terrible, and the guards mistreat the prisoners. She describes the overall environment as very harsh.
What special permission did Lisdani receive?
Lisdani received a special one-year release to complete her pregnancy at home due to the inhumane conditions of the prison.
Who reported on Lisdani's situation?
Independent journalist Mónica Baró reported on Lisdani's situation and the special release she received to carry her pregnancy to term at home.