Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac, a 25-year-old political prisoner from the July 11 protests, has spoken out about the unjust imprisonment she has endured under Cuba's communist regime since 2021. "These three years have been incredibly tough; it's hard to lose your youth for something you didn't do. But I have mentally prepared myself and remain strong, without bowing my head," she expressed in an interview with Cubanet.
During her time in prison, Lisdani became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter on September 6. She recounted the challenges faced during pregnancy while incarcerated and under threats from prison authorities. The initial option offered to her was abortion, and for a month, State Security officers pressured her to proceed with it. Both Lisdani and her twin sister, Lidiani, are serving eight-year sentences for their involvement in the July 11 protests in Placetas.
Enduring the Hardships of Imprisonment
"Consider the years you still have to serve," they would tell her. Nevertheless, Lisdani chose to continue with her pregnancy despite the harsh conditions at Guamajal Prison. "I was already 25, imprisoned since 22, and would be released at 30. I didn't want to wait that long to become a mother. If my baby arrived now, it must be for a reason," she remarked.
Rodríguez Isaac was convicted for her role in the July 11, 2021, protests in her hometown of Placetas, Villa Clara province. She faced charges of "assault," "disrespect," and "public disorder," initially facing a prosecutor's demand for a 10-year sentence. Ultimately, both she and her sister, Lidiani, were sentenced to eight years in prison.
Motherhood Amidst Adversity
Despite inadequate prison conditions and poor nutrition, Lisdani carried on with her pregnancy. By late May, after months of health risks, authorities granted her a one-year extrapenal license. On September 6, she delivered her baby without complications. Her child is currently under the care of her sister due to flooding at their family home.
In her interview with Cubanet, Lisdani recalled suffering humiliation in prison and having to share space with common criminals, including a woman convicted of murder. Even while pregnant, she was mistreated by a guard who denied her breakfast on one occasion.
"They have destroyed my youth," she confessed, adding that when her license expires and she returns to prison, the hardest part will be being separated from her baby.