Prisoner's health worsens

José Ubaldo Izquierdo Hernández

Cuban journalist Ahmed Rodríguez Albacia reports that the health of political prisoner José Ubaldo Izquierdo Hernández continues to deteriorate.

Two internists who recently examined Izquierdo diagnosed him with a medium-size hernia, a high triglycerides in his blood, hepatitis and problems with his eyes, according to a story written by Rodríguez and posted at Payo Libre. He previously had been found to have gastritis, bulbitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma.

The doctors wrote in Izquierdo's medical charts that he needs medicine to control the triglycerides — a drug not available in Cuban hospitals — and that he needs to eat a diet free of carbohydrates and fat. They said he needs to eat fish, fruits and vegetables.

Of course, none of the recommended care is available at the Guanajay prison where Izquierdo currently is being held.

An independent journalist, Izquierdo, 41, was arrested during the "black spring" of March-April 2003, and sentenced to 16 years in prison.