Amnesty International considers him a prisoner of conscience imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of his beliefs. Reinaldo Alfaro Garc a is reportedly suffering from serious back problems following earlier surgery on his spine as well as from various allergies, stomach problems and anaemia. In a recent hunger strike in protest at the prison conditions in Combinado Sur de Matanzas Prison where he is held and at the lack of medical treatment available to him, Reinaldo Alfaro has also lost a lot of weight. According to reports received by Amnesty International, the amount and quality of food provided in many prisons in Cuba is extremely poor.
Medical attention provided in the prisons is said to be insufficient.
While this can partly be attributed to the effect of the current economic conditions in Cuba including the effects of the US trade embargo, the authorities are nevertheless responsible for providing at least basic necessities for prisoners and have to abide by obligations set out in various international human rights standards. Se or Director Please send copies of your letters to the Cuban diplomatic representative in your country.