Camila Acosta | cubanet.org
“Life in Prison is Very Hard”: Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac, Pregnant Political Prisoner
Experiencing poor nutrition and low hemoglobin, Rodríguez’s pregnancy was at risk while imprisoned.
Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac, a 25-year-old political prisoner, and her sister are serving an eight-year sentence for participating in the July 11, 2021, protests in Placetas. In an exclusive statement to CubaNet, Lisdani stated, ‘Both my sister and I are innocent; we are only imprisoned for thinking differently and exercising our rights.’
Describing the harsh conditions, Rodríguez highlighted the lack of basic necessities such as water and proper nutrition. She detailed the abuse and constant threats from State Security, who even threatened her mother.
Rodríguez was imprisoned at the Guamajal women’s prison in Santa Clara. However, she was granted a year-long extrapenal license in late May due to a high-risk pregnancy, diagnosed with a low-lying placenta since the 22nd week, increasing the risk of premature birth.
In prison, Rodríguez faced severe malnutrition, with protein meals served only three times a week. This, along with carrying water, lowered her hemoglobin to dangerous levels, posing further risks to her and her unborn baby.
After two weeks out of prison, her health improved significantly. Her mother, Bárbara Isaac, reported that Lisdani’s placenta is no longer low, her hemoglobin increased to 11.5, and she’s gained weight. Additionally, other medical tests showed positive results.
Lisdani expressed gratitude to those supporting her and her family. Despite risks from speaking to independent media, she vows to continue denouncing her and her sister’s situations in prison.
Upon the completion of her extrapenal license, Lisdani will be sent back to prison to finish her sentence.
Read the full article in English on cubanet.org, using Google Translate.
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