The Cuban political prisoner José Rodríguez Herrada was warmly greeted by his family and neighbors in the municipality of Caibarién, where he resides, after being released by the Cuban regime. Rodríguez Herrada served his full sentence following the July 11, 2021 protests. He was incarcerated for three years and two months, during which he maintained "a principled stance in prison," wrote opposition member Librado Linares in the Facebook group “Revolico Camajuaní.”
The former political prisoner and 11J protester Carlos Michael Morales Rodríguez, also released this year, shared moments from Rodríguez Herrada's homecoming. The celebration included decorations with balloons, hugs, and tears among those present when the car arrived.
Meanwhile, Leonardo Rodríguez Alonso, the central Cuba coordinator for the Patmos Institute, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet the recently freed individual. “Today I was able to meet this brave Cuban in person. I share with you a picture of a moment filled with joy and nostalgia for those still behind bars. We ask the Almighty to use His power in favor of Cuba, to end this era of decrees, prisons, systematic repression, blackouts, lack of medications, and massive exoduses,” he wrote on his Facebook profile.
In 2022, Rodríguez Herrada initiated a hunger strike at the Santa Clara prison where he was detained, protesting the "false accusations by the prosecution" regarding his participation in the July 11 protests. A year later, he repeated this action along with 12 other political prisoners incarcerated in different locations, just before the visit of the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, to the island.
Key Questions About José Rodríguez Herrada's Release
To provide more context on the release of José Rodríguez Herrada and the broader implications, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who is José Rodríguez Herrada?
José Rodríguez Herrada is a Cuban political prisoner who was released after serving his full sentence for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests against the Cuban government.
What was the reason for his imprisonment?
Rodríguez Herrada was imprisoned for his involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests, which were a significant demonstration against the Cuban regime.
How did his community react to his release?
His community in Caibarién welcomed him with balloons, hugs, and tears of joy, showing their support and relief at his return.
What actions did Rodríguez Herrada take while in prison?
While in prison, Rodríguez Herrada maintained a principled stance and initiated hunger strikes to protest false accusations and the conditions of his incarceration.