Political Prisoner Andy García on Hunger Strike: Family Warns of Deteriorating Health After Nine Days Without Food

Andy García Lorenzo, a Cuban political prisoner detained following the protests on July 11, 2021, has reached nine days on a hunger strike, as reported by his family. His sister, Roxana García Lorenzo, shared on Facebook that Andy began the fast to demand the return of personal letters seized by prison authorities.

“Andy is not alone. He has a very united family, and we will do everything in our power to give him the attention and support he needs at this time,” stated his father-in-law, Pedro López, in a social media broadcast.

Worsening Health Condition

In a recent visit to the prison where Andy is held, his mother, Dairy Lorenzo, described him as "extremely thin, with sunken eyes and difficulty breathing." The family fears for his life, recalling that during a previous hunger strike he endured beatings and inhumane treatment. “Andy could barely speak; he had to do so very slowly because he had no strength left,” Dairy recounted, visibly shaken by her son's fragile condition.

Accusations and Call to Action

In his broadcast, López denounced that State Security escalated harassment against Andy after his case gained media attention. According to López, the regime previously adopted an "apparent calm" to avoid public complaints, but this approach shifted after the family’s persistent campaigns advocating for his release.

“We are trying to reach out to Senator Marco Rubio’s office and several journalists to bring more attention to this case. I urge the families of prisoners not to remain silent when their loved ones' lives are at risk. Speak out at all times because we are dealing with a repressive system that systematically uses violence and will not hesitate to harm,” López implored.

International Reaction and Background

Andy García Lorenzo was sentenced to four years in prison for participating in the historic 11J protests in Santa Clara. His situation has been closely monitored by international organizations, which have condemned the human rights abuses against him and other political prisoners in Cuba, as was noted by Human Rights Watch in October 2022.

The family, who have faced acts of repudiation and harassment from regime enforcers, holds the Cuban government and State Security accountable for any physical or psychological harm Andy might suffer. His sister has called on the international community to apply pressure to ensure his safety: "Andy’s life depends on the pressure we can exert together."

In December 2021, Andy was threatened by State Security for his family’s initiative to create a network to assist other detained individuals from the 11J protests in Cuba, as well as their families. On social media, his sister shared how he was transferred to a different prison and threatened due to the family’s solidarity initiative "Help the Brave of 11J," which collected funds to provide food to Cuba’s political prisoners.

In November 2022, his sister reported that Andy was suffering from psychological torture, beatings, and mistreatment in the labor camp where he was held.