Hunger strike leaves Darsi Ferrer in poor health

Dr. Darsi Ferrer

The effects of a hunger strike Cuban political prisoner Dr. Darsi Ferrer started on March 20 have started to take their toll on his body.

Fainting spells. Muscle aches. The loss of more than 10 pounds.

That is what Ferrer — a physician, journalist and human rights activist imprisoned since July 2009 with no formal charges filed — is suffering as he protests and demands that the Castro dictatorship respect his rights.

"He is on strike demanding needed dental care, as well as a formal hearing," said Ferrer's wife, Yusnaimy Jorge Soca. "A trial through legal channels should have been held long ago if he is in fact guilty of the charges he has been accused of.

Ferrer, a long-time vocal critic of the Castro regime, was arrested last summer. No formal charges have been filed, but he reportedly has been accused of illegally possessing construction materials acquired on the black market. His home had been damaged during an earlier police raid.

Other activists argue Ferrer is being punished because of his anti-government activism.

Ferrer is one of at least three Cuban dissidents currently on hunger strike.

One of the other protesters, Guillermo Fariñas, earlier this week was reported to be on the verge of a "major complication" that may kill him.