HUMAN RIGHTS CUBA

Blogger and Independent Journalist Dania Virgen García in danger

2010-09-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

by Carmen Ferreiro

September 22, 2010

Photo: Dania Virgen García

Today Dania Virgen García informed that she is under constant intimidation by Cuban State Security Agents who are threatening her with imprisonment, this time to a 20 year sentence, if she does not stop publishing news relating to the case of Cuban prisoner José Ángel Luque Álvarez, on a hunger strike since August 8^th in Ariza Prison.

Dania mentioned that her house in the Havana municipality of San Miguel del Padrón is under constant vigilance by PNR (National Revolutionary Police) squad cars and plain clothes agents from the DSE (Department of State Security.

Since her arrest and subsequent release last spring, Dania has endured intimidation, harassment and threats that she will be returned to prison y she continues to write and publish articles on prisoners in Cuban jails.

Dania Virgen García is a Cuban blogger and independent journalist. The stories she published concerning prisoner José Ángel Luque Álvarez which led to this repression by State Security Agents, can be read in her blog: http://www.daniavirgengarcia.com as well as internet news sites like Cubanet, Primavera Digital and Misceláneas de Cuba.

Dania and Daniel Anselmo González from CAPPF with Luque Álvarez’ family.

Massive beatings and arrests of journalists and activists in Cuba

2010-08-06T11:25:00.001-07:00

by Carmen Ferreiro

August 6, 2010

Photo: Protesters beaten and arrested in 1994’s Maleconazo.

On the 16^th anniversary of the Maleconazo, a large scale protest that took place in Havana in 1994 due to public discontent over food shortages and energy blackouts, Cuba’s repressive forces conducted a massive arrest of human rights activists and independent journalists.

The arrested were detained, beaten, interrogated and later released. This took place yesterday near the U.S. Interests Section building on Cuba’s waterfront known as the Malecon. Among the arrested were human rights activists who wanted to peacefully mark the anniversary and independent journalists who were trying to enter the building to use the internet on their scheduled appointment day and time.

Those arrested were:

Alfredo Guilleuma “El Viejo Alfredo”, an elderly Human Rights Activist

Carmelo Rodríguez Rodríguez, Human Rights Activist and member of the Movimiento Línea Dura “Orlando Zapata Tamayo”

Daniel Anselmo Gonzalez, Independent Journalist and Vice President of the Comision for Assistance to Political Prisoners and their Families (CAPPF)

Ernesto Rodríguez López, Human Rights Activist

Enrique Labrada, Human Rights Activist

Hector Julio Cesar Cedeño, Blogger and Independent Journalist

Heriberto Liranza Romero, Human Rights Activist and member of the Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia

Hermogenes Inocencio Guerrero, Human Rights Activist and Vice President of Naturpaz

Hidelbrando Chaviano, Blogger and Independent Journalist

Hugo Damian Prieto Blanco, President of the Movimiento Línea Dura “Orlando Zapata Tamayo”

Joel Lázaro Carbonell, Blogger and Independent Journalist and President of the Organización de Derechos Humanos Cubanos Libres

Jose Alberto Alvarez Bravo, Blogger and Independent Journalist

Juan Carlos Basallo Fregio, Human Rights Activist and member of the Partido Liberal de la República de Cuba

Juan Mario Rodríguez, Human Rights Activist

Julio Antonio Rojas Portal, Blogger and Independent Journalist

Omar Lafita Rojas, Independent Journalist and Attorney

Roby Gonzalez Torres, Independent Journalist and member of the Comision for Assistance to Political Prisoners and their Families (CAPPF)

Ruben Carty Lowe, Blogger and Independent Journalist who is the Director of Centro Informativo Cubano

Silvio Benítez Márquez, Independent Journalist and President of the Partido Liberal de la República de Cuba

Other activists were also detained and arrested whose names were not available at the time this information was reported.

This report was prepared from the testimonies of Dania Virgen Garcia (Blogger and Independent Journalist), Miguel Amado Reyes Fonseca (President of the Comision for Assistance to Political Prisoners and their Families CAPPF), Roberto de Jesús Guerra Pérez (Director of CHIPRESS), Segundo Miranda (President of the Centro de Derechos Humanos y Democracia Brigada 2506) and Sergio Pastor Martinez Carrazana (Independent Journalist).

Released political prisoner leaves Cuba for medical treatment in US

2010-07-28T10:22:00.001-07:00

by Carmen Ferreiro

Photos: Javier Galeano / AP

July 28, 2010

Today, released Cuban political prisoner Ariel Sigler Amaya will travel to Miami to receive urgent medical attention.

After 7 years of incarceration, most spent in punishment cells, Ariel suffers from functional paraplegia and has lost over 100 pounds since being jailed in March of 2003 in Cuba’s Black Spring Crackdown and released in May 2010 after international pressure aimed at the Castro government.

Other political prisoners recently released and sent into permanent exile in Spain, have traveled with their family members. In Ariel’s case his wife Noelia, was not given permission by Cuban authorities to accompany him on his trip to the US. Fortunately, Ariel has family in the States and a large support group in fellow exiles who continue the struggle for the release of all political prisoners and democratic reforms in Cuba.

Upon his arrival at Miami International Airport he will be taken immediately for medical treatment at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he will be given the medical attention he was denied in Cuba; while he was imprisoned and after his release. Sadly, this inhumane treatment is common practice in Cuba with all who disagree with the political system in power.

These photos released today show Ariel leaving Cuba for his flight to Miami (Photos: Javier Galeano / AP):

Arrested in Havana twice in the same day

2010-07-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

Arrested in Havana twice in the same day:

For and Act in Remembrance of the victims of the Remolcador "13 de Marzo" tragedy

by Joel Lázaro Carbonell Guilar

Independent Journalist

President of the Human Rights Organization Free Cubans

July 15, 2010

On July 13th, a group of activists convened at Havana’s Malecón & Galiano to pay tribute to victims of the Remolcador “13 de Marzo” tragedy, when 10 children and 40 adults were massacred by Cuban authorities.

I organized this group, asking them to join me in this tribute and bring flowers to the Malecón & Galiano. When we arrived there were State Security Agents, their henchmen, and Rapid Brigade repressors waiting for us. I along with 2 other activists were arrested for simply wanting to throw flowers into the sea to mark this tragic event.

I was taken to the Police Station at Zanja where I was put into a punishment cell for 5 hours.

After I was released, I reunited with fellow activists who waited for us outside the Zanja Station, and we proceeded to finalize the activity that was thwarted due to our arrests.

We returned to the Malecón, where under the vigilance and pressure of the same agents who had earlier arrested us, we remained until we finished our act of remembrance.

Later that evening on my return home, I was arrested and forced into a car model "lada", this time taken to the 11^th Police Station in San Miguel del Padrón, where I was kept in a punishment cell until 5 in the morning.

This is a recount of the events that took place on July 13, 2010 in Havana, Cuba.

Photo Essay: The Trial of Dr. Darsi Ferrer

2010-07-02T13:17:00.001-07:00

Photographs by Joel Lázaro Carbonell Guilar
Independent Journalist & President of the Human Rights Organization Free Cubans

Text by Carmen Ferreiro

June 28, 2010

On June 22, 2010, after 11 months of imprisonment, Dr. Darsi Ferrer was finally taken to trial which was held at the 10 de Octubre Municipal Court in Havana.

Friends of Darsi, independent journalists and human rights activists defied the terror of the tyranny’s minions and managed to reach the Courthouse, showing their support for Yusnaimy Jorge Soca, who along with her husband Dr. Ferrer, is brave defender of human rights.

Dr. Ferrer’s supporters who were been denied access to the courtroom, waited for several hours in the heat of the tropical sun. Outside the fenced entry of the Tribunal, they resolutely maintained their peaceful vigilance, despite being surrounded by State Security Agents and their mobs who shouted insults and threats.

Other members of Cuba’s opposition movement and colleagues of Darsi and Yusnaimy attempted to reach the Court, but where prohibited by PNR officers (National Revolutionary Police) and DSE agents (Department of State Security) dressed in civilian clothes who surrounded their homes not allowing anyone to leave and arresting others.

Standing in solidarity with Dr. Ferrer and his family, activists and journalists outside the Court showed the regime that freedom wins when fear is lost. My congratulations and gratitude to my brothers and sisters in Cuba, who day after day with unwavering bravery, struggle for human rights in our beloved Cuba.

Yusnaimy, emotionally embracers her supports before entering the Tribunal to witness her husband’s trial. Photo of the patrol car that brought to Dr. Ferrer to the Tribunal.

Court officials prohibited friends and colleagues of Dr. Ferrer from entering the grounds or courtroom to witness the proceedings.

Pro-government demonstrators and repressors attempt to provoke the peaceful activists, shouting insults and threats. Photo shows how some were allowed access to the grounds of the Tribunal but the same was denied to activists supporting Dr. Ferrer.

Attorney and journalist Michael Iturría Savón along with photographer Joel Lázaro Carbonell Guilar. Joel alongside others showing their support for Darsi and yearn to see him set free.

Despite the warm temperatures (the trial was from 10 in the morning until 1: 30 in the afternoon), activists, journalists, and friends of Darsi, wait with hope for news on the decision of the Court.

Finally the moment so many waited for arrives, as Yusnaimy together with Darsi’s mother, Mercedes Ramirez Mujica and faithful friend and tireless fighter ‘El Viejo Alfredo’ make their way to the Tribunal’s gate, and in hand signs show the letter “L” for Liberty while joy erupts and everyone’s hopes are realized; Darsi is set free!

Photos of the trial and conditional release of Dr. Darsi Ferrer

2010-06-22T19:00:00.001-07:00

June 22, 2010

Havana, Cuba

Yusnaimy embraces fellow human rights activists who accompanied her to Darsi's trial lending their support and solidarity. Picture 1: AFP / Picture 2: Getty Images

Besides Yusnaimy and Mercedes (Darsi’s wife and mother) is Dania Virgen Garcia (blogger and independent journalist who recently won her freedom after being jailed and tried) who along with other members of opposition groups were able to reach the outside area of the Tribunal. Pictures 1 y 2: AFP / Picture 3 y 4: Getty Images

Friends and colleagues of Darsi show their support outside the gates of the 10 of October Tribunal, where they demonstrate their solidarity and chant for his freedom, even though government sympathizers try to incite the peaceful activists. Picture 1: AFP / Picture 2: EFE / Picture 3, 4 & 5: Reuters / Picture 6: Getty Images

Darsi as he is led away from the 10 of October Tribunal to his home. Pictures 1 y 2: AFP / Picture 3: Getty Images

Darsi together with his wife Yusnaimy, his son Dariel and his mother Mercedes Ramírez Mujica after being granted a conditional release. Pictures 1,2 y 3: AFP / Picture 3: EFE / Picture 4: Reuters

Darsi hugs and carries his son Dariel after being liberated from Valle Grande Prison and put under house arrest, here he is seen together with friends and neighbors at his home. Pictures 1 y 2: AFP / Picture 3: Getty Images / Picture 4: Reuters

Darsi Ferrer freed on conditional release, house arrest

2010-06-22T12:52:00.001-07:00

Report by Segundo Miranda

June 22, 2010

The trial for Dr. Darsi Ferrer concluded at 1:30pm. The Tribunal sentenced him to 1 year and 3 months of house arrest. The first 3 months he will serve at home and 1 year he will serve at a work site.

Despite this unjust sentence, it has been a victory for Dr. Darsi Ferrer and his colleagues in Cuba’s opposition movement. He begins to serve his sentence effective today.

Joel Lázaro Carbonell reports that only the parties to the trial were permitted to witness the legal proceedings. The Tribunal building was surrounded by the government forces: Rapid Response Brigades and State Security Police.

Friends and colleagues of Dr. Ferrer who attempted to reach the Tribunal and attend the hearing were detained. A large number of these individuals were detained and prevented from attending. Despite these detentions, many were able to reach the area of the tribunal, a show of support for Dr. Ferrer and a clear sign that they are not afraid to stand up against injustice, and a demonstration of the ever increasing clamor for civil rights in the enslaved island.

Human Rights Observers from the US Interest Section in Havana and the Czech Embassy in Cuba, tried to assist the hearing as observers, but were denied access, a clear violation of the rights guaranteed to accredited diplomats.

We also Spike with Juana María Oquendo of the 30^th of November Frank Pais Democratic Party who confirmed the aforementioned report of events. The opposition activist known as Old-Man Alfredo who was able to enter the premises, embraced his good friend Dr. Ferrer while noting the numerous and vigilant state security forces inside and outside the courtroom.

When exiting the tribunal courtroom, Alfredo hugged Dr. Ferrer’s wife (Yusnaimy Soca) and his mom, and uttered jubilantly “LONG LIVE HUMAN RIGHTS, FREEDOM FOR ALL POLITICAL AND PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE!”

Preliminary Report on the trial of Dr. Darsi Ferrer, Prisoner of Conscience

2010-06-22T08:49:00.001-07:00

Report from Segundo Miranda

Communication No. 1

Via telephone we spoke with Miguel Amado Reyes Fonseca, president of the Commission for Assistance to Political Prisoners & their Families (CAPPF) and Lázaro Prieto Álvarez Director for the Center for Human Rights and Democracy Brigade 2506.

This morning CAPPF and CDHD human rights activists: Miguel Amado Fonseca, Merardo Maldonado Romero, Jorge Arufe Carbonell were detained by State Security Agents while en route to the 10 of October Tribunal to serve as observers in the trial of prisoner of conscience, Dr. Darsi Ferrer.

The activists were threatened and told that if they continued towards the Tribunal they would be arrested and taken to the PNR (National Revolutionary Police) Station.

In the areas adjacent to the Tribunal, there was a large presence of State Security Agents dressed in plain clothes, and Patrol Vehicle No. 341, that customarily patrols the area.

All those who tried to reach the Tribunal were intercepted by these Agents.

It is stated that many human rights activists were able to enter the Tribunal despite these acts of harassment.

Once again the free World witness how justice is administered in Cuba and how the process is not open to public participation and observation, i.e. there is no fair due process. This leads one to believe that the authorities are trying to manipulate any fair judicial outcome in the case the regimen has mounted against Dr. Darsi Ferrer.

We continue to monitor events and if as reported, some human rights activists and journalists were able to observer the proceedings, we will share these observations with everyone.

Dania Virgen Garcia set free

2010-05-07T21:19:00.001-07:00

by Segundo Miranda

President

Center for Human Rights & Democracy Brigade 2506

May 7, 2010

Dania Virgin Garcia, sentenced on April 23 to a year and 8 months to the sinister prison of Manto Negro, has been released. A few minutes ago I spoke with a shaken Dania who briefly narrated the horrors she witnessed and experienced during the 17 days she was incarcerated.

Among the things Dania expressed, overcome emotionally and stressed by what she experienced in jail; was a story about the martyr Orlando Zapata Tamayo told to her by Miriam Rondón, an inmate at the same prison. In a testimony from the inmate (Miriam Rondón) herself, who says she was in the cell next to Zapata, she told Dania about the prison guard’s cruelty and how they left breakfast and lunch near Orlando Zapata Tamayo, and observed him through cameras to see if he ate anything.

She recounts how she was notified by a guard “hey, gather all your things and don’t talk with anyone”, and how the female inmates there for 20 and 30 years shouted to her “denounce what happens here and the conditions we endure”.

Soon Dania will resume her work as a journalist, and in her blog she will reveal in detail the horrors that take place in Cuban prisons.

We are pleased that Dania has been released, it is a victory against injustice, thanks to the pressure placed on the regime by the international press and the free world that demanded that she be set free.

We thank the Lord, for through his will and deed, Dania Virgin Garcia has been freed and returned to us.

To the free world and organizations that defend human rights, we plea that they do not forget about Cuba, nor its daughters and sons who bravely raise their voices to denounce the horrors they endure.

Today there is a new political prisoner in Cuba

2010-04-25T00:26:00.001-07:00

by Carmen Ferreiro

April 24, 2010

I met Dania Virgen García towards the end of 2009, an independent journalist and human rights activist; she was referred to our news bureau by a fellow journalist. She, like other independent journalists, are courageous enough to report news from Cuba, free from the bias and control of the state-run press. Dania, like the other journalists who I am privileged to work with, wants to be a good journalist. And so without trepidation, she enthusiastically, despite limited resources and living under the continuous persecution of government agents in Cuba, with dedication sent me her writings on daily life in Cuba land and on the activities of freedom and democracy movements on the island.

She wanted a blog and I created a news blog for her, something that I happily do for any Cuban on the island who wishes to exercise their right to free expression and to inform the world of everyday life in Cuba. For journalists in Cuba, those who are not officially appointed or belonging to the current government in power, there are no news agencies or outlets were they can publish their work. Censorship dominates not only the press and culture in Cuba, but every aspect of freedom of expression, opinion and even simple conversations between Cubans of what happens on the island. For these journalists, living in a country without a free press and under the absolute control of the State; blogs have become the newspapers and magazines in which they can publish their news stories. Without blogs, they would be the silenced, this would allow the totalitarians to absolutely do and destroy anything they please with total impunity; while the free world would be blind, deaf and mute to this sad reality in Cuba.

The blog allowed Dania to write and print her articles and share them with other Cubans; some of them supportive of her ideas and writings, and other non-supporters perhaps interested by this cyber world which is inaccessible to many of them. What I did notice was the more she wrote, the more she wanted to do to help achieve freedom in Cuba.

It is inevitable not to have ties of affection with those one has constant contact with in Cuba. Through them we learn about what happens in our suffering country, which is located so close yet is unattainable for many of us. But we also come to know about their lives through the emails exchanged. This is how in a short time I came to know that Dania was very devoted to her Catholic faith, that she spoke affectionately about her family, that she enjoyed photography and struggled for human rights in Cuba despite limited resources.

A week ago she wrote to me concerned because she had been alerted at a center she occasionally went to use the internet (I intentionally omit the name to avoid compromising others who may use this center), that a State Security Agent had there been asking about her. Days later I received another email in which she expressed with alarm that State Security Agents had mounted a surveillance operation at her home and she said: “things in Cuba are not well at all, but I am going to continue this struggle to the death or until whatever they want happens, I will continue to support the Ladies in White, even if they continue to beat us, because what they want is for us to be afraid and we are not going to allow that to happen.” I replied that she should be careful, expressing my concern over the threats from Section 21 State Security Agents warning Laura Pollan and the Ladies in White, that “they would only be allowed to walk in the area of the Church of Santa Rita of Casia, from 30 to 22 Street, without affecting traffic... with the participation of the Ladies in White and only 10 of the Ladies who Support them". I told her that if she needed anything to let me know.

Three days later (on April 20th) Dania was arrested and 3 days after (on April 23rd) sentenced and imprisoned in Manto Negro; the same prison that houses the women who were sent to repress and beat the Ladies in White during their walks in March commemorating the 2003 Black Spring Crackdown in Cuba.

I ask all who value human rights, in particular freedom of expression, to let the world know what the regime in Cuba has done to Dania Virgen García. We will maintain the same determination and courage she exhibited during that week in which she suffered harassment and vigilance, and we will not cease defending her and all Cuban women; freedom fighters in today’s Cuba.

Dania Virgen García is an independent journalist and the Representative in Havana for the Freedom and Democracy Party of Holguín.

This is the link to El Blog de Dania: http://daniavirgengarcia.blogspot.com/

Photos of Dania Virgen García:

Cuban independent journalist Dania Virgen García is arrested, tried and sentenced to jail

2010-04-25T00:18:00.001-07:00

by Segundo Miranda,

President of the Center for Human Rights & Democracy Brigade 2506

April 24, 2010

Photos - 1st: Dania (center) in the mass alongside other women from the group that support the Ladies in White, 2nd: Dania holding the symbolic gladiola walks with group who support Ladies in White and 3rd: Dania (right) behind Laura Pollan and Berta Soler walk along the Malecon in Havana.

We were informed last night by independent journalist Julio Antonio Rojas Portal of the arbitrary action taken by the dictatorship against Cuban human rights activist and independent journalist, Dania Virgen García.

I asked Julio if he had news about Dania to which he replied: “Dania was tried and sentenced today (April 23) to 1 year and 8 months in prison and has already been transferred to Manto Negro Prison,” Julio goes on to say “this is a is another rotten deed by the regime; State Security Forces have done this to silence those that expose them”.

It is a known fact that Dania is involved with peaceful opposition movements and the group that supports and sympathizes with the Ladies in White, actions that the military dictatorship that rules Cuba today considers unacceptable. It is a direct attack against the independent movement, which increments day-to-day and the dictatorship knows the harm being done; “the independent journalists and blogs” are those who carry the lead in this political and social phenomenon, and have been developing for several years now, and are stronger every day and the international press now follows them more closely.

The dictatorship sees it is losing the battle and knows it is close to its end and this the reason why they are trying to silence the voices of peaceful protest from the people of Cuba, before it leads to a social explosion that they will not be able to control.

We call upon Reporters Without Borders and the International Press to condemn this rotten maneuver by the regime against independent journalist Dania Virgin García, who in the short span of 48 hours was arrested, tried, convicted and transported to one of the most rigorous and torturous prisons in the penal system of the Cuban dictatorship.

The crime committed against Dania, is not new nor will be the last time we plead for everyone to join our protest, raise their voices, and ask the International Press, the Governments of the Free World and Organizations that Protect Human Rights to do something on behalf of Dania who was only doing what is her right; a right guaranteed to her by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which Cuba is a signatory, which is her right to differ from the political system in her country.

Dania (right) together with the Ladies who support the Ladies in White and Cuban Bloggers Yoaní Sánchez and Claudio Cadelo. Dania (center) together with the Ladies who support the Ladies in White leaving church after mass.

Dania together with Lilia Castañer and other Ladies who support the Ladies in White during mass.

Dania (center in both photos) at Laura Pollan’s house during the Ladies in White’s Literary Tea in March.

Dania together with Lilia Castañer and other Ladies who support the Ladies in White during the walk.

Dania (center right in the 1st photo) and (behind Berta Soler in the 2nd, 3rd y 4th photos) repressed and harassed by Rapid Response Brigades and Castro agents during the walk along the malecón and Havana streets. Photos: EFE & AP

Journalist Dania Virgen García who supports the Ladies in White is detained in Guanabacoa

2010-04-22T18:27:00.001-07:00

by Julio Antonio Rojas Portal

Independente Journalist and Librarian

April 22, 2010

Dania Virgen García, independent journalist and member of the group who march in support of the Ladies in White, was detained and taken to the Police Station in Guanabacoa, accused of an arbitrary offense without probable cause.

There is the possibility that the detention to place to prevent Dania from continuing her activities as a member of the Ladies who walk in support of the Ladies in White. Dania has participated in the church services and peaceful walks conducted by the Ladies of White.

In past days Security of the State agents threatened the Ladies of White, informing them that they would retaliate against them if they did not comply with the new restrictions imposed on them. These new restrictions limit the number of Ladies in Support who can participate in the activities, and also prevents them from walking in Streets that in the words of the official “belong to the revolutionaries.”

Peaceful activists and dissidents fear that arbitrary actions like this detention will continue to take place against the Ladies in Support, as a means to impede their participation in support of the Ladies in White, whose only desire the liberation of their loved ones along with all political prisoners, as well as respect for the human rights in Cuba.

CAPPF Delegate in Camagüey detained

2009-08-03T18:09:00.001-07:00

por Lázaro Prieto Álvarez y Ricardo Aguilar García

July 9, 2009

Havana. In telephone call with pacifist activist, Ramón Pedraja Torres, a member of the Commission for Assistance to Political Prisoners and their Families (CAPPF), and who is the acting Delegate for the province of Camagüey, told us he was detained at his home and led to a unit of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), where he was held from 6:00 pm until approximately 9:00 pm.

In this police station he was threatened and told they would apply the Ley de Peligrosidad (Dangerousness Law), that the prisoners that CAPPF assists are "Yankee government mercenaries," and that they would not permit any more from him.

He was also threatened that on Monday, July 13, he would be picked up by the DSE for an interrogation.

Ramón Pedraja Torres resides in Calle Carmen between San Ramón and Orca, Camagüey, Cuba.

Forgotten Village

2009-07-29T20:10:00.001-07:00

by Daniel Anselmo González, CAPPF Delegate for Havana

July 13, 2009

Daniel Anselmo González

The fishing village of Boca de Jaruco, in the municipality of Santa Cruz, Province of Havana, since mid May is going through a difficult situation regarding its water supply. The reason is that the motors that propel the precious liquid are broken, this was told to me by residents of the area.

They told me that the wire control panel for the coils of the engines is missing, and that the supply of water that comes via these pipes of water, which is how they refer to these tankers that transport potable water, happens every 6 or 7 days.

Another problem this year affecting these people is the poor condition of the streets of the locality. Especially the street that enters into the town that passes in front of the primary school, continues until ending in front of the market at the bend that bears the name of the town. It is difficult for any vehicle to maneuver especially when it rains and you cannot gage the depth of the potholes.

Instead they fixed a secondary road that leads towards the oil wells at the entrance of the town; why then did they not take advantage of the equipment already in the area, knowing that what is expensive in road repair is the transfer of the heavy equipment they use, this according to a resident of the area.

Members of CAPPF and MLC are issued citations

2009-07-29T19:07:00.001-07:00

by Pedro Fontanals Miranda, President of the Cuban Liberal movement (MLC)

July 8, 2009

On July 8th an official from the state police appeared at the home of peaceful opposition activists, Mario Moraga Ramos and Andrés Pérez Suarez, Calle 4ta No. 13234 between 3ra y 5ta Mirador del Diezmero, San Miguel del Padrón and Calle Central No. 22934 Interior between 3ra y 8va Mirador del Diezmero, to deliver subpoenas for both of them to personally appear at 6ta Unidad of the PNR (Sección 21 del DSE) on July 9th.

When the opposition activist appeared on the summons date, the DSE agents threatened to charge them with the Ley Peligrosidad (Law of Endangering the Revolution), with the Law of Unlawful Association, and in the case of Mario Moraga, he was threatened with expulsion from his work place.

According to the DSE agents, the reason for this repression was due to their participation in counter-revolutionary activities. One of the repressors told the summoned men that "at any moment now CAPPF will also visit you, because if you continue down this path you will soon go to prison.”

Tribute to the Victims of the Tugboat 13 March Sinking

2009-07-29T18:41:00.001-07:00

by Miguel Amado Reyes Fonseca y Máximo José García González

July 13, 2009

Havana. In the morning of July 13, human rights activists and members of the Commission for Assistance to Political Prisoners and Families (CAPPF) at a point of the Havana’s malecón, commemorated the tragic event of the Tugboat 13 de Marzo sunk by the repressive forces of the Cuban Government along the Havana littoral on July 13, 1994, where 41 innocent adults and children were killed attempting to escape from the country to reach the land of freedom.

The activists who participated also took the opportunity to extend a message of national reconciliation and to urge the Cuban Government that they release all political prisoners and to stop repressing all Cuban citizens who desire to freely express their political opinions.

The participants were:

Omar Vega Rodríguez

Anairis Vega Rodríguez

Maylisis Abrahantes Muñoz

Miriam León Núñez

Miguel Ángel Castro Torres

José Enrique Lean Núñez,

Pavel León Núñez

Rogelio Brages Borges

Sigilfredo Chávez Belez

Juan Durruthy Raymond

Jorge Alberto Susarte

Event narrated by the community activist Neldo Iván Echevarría Perdomo

2009-07-23T17:30:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello

July 14, 2009

Neldo Iván Echevarría Perdomo

Havana. In the morning hours of a day last week, I went to the Agro Mercado state market located in the neighborhood Panamérica on Avenida Independencia, municipality of Boyeros, it was 10:00am and it was still closed because they had no products to offer for sale.

According to neighbors in the area, they have seen a reduction in the sale of the great variety of products once offered here. This has affected the entire population of the area but the most affected are the elderly, who complain of not having an agro market close by and complain that to obtain produce and vegetables they have to travel two kilometers to reach the other closest agro market. These elders due to their advance age and different ailments, cannot carry the loads of weighty products they purchase and have to carry them home.

This makes life more difficult for them and the complaints have even reached the delegate of the municipality of ANAP (Asociación Nacional de Agricultores Pequeños/National Association of Small Farmers) without any response.

Doctor Darsi Ferrer imprisoned

2009-07-22T18:58:00.001-07:00

by Froilán Osmany Rodríguez

Delegate for the Commission for Assistance to Political Prisoners and their Families (CAPPF) and Coordinator for the Center for Human Rights and Democracy Brigade 2506, Cuba (CDHD 2506)

July 22, 2009

Darsi and Yusnaimy victims of repression on prior occasions

In a communication established with Havana this afternoon, we were notified that on Tuesday, July 21st Doctor Darsi Ferrer and Yusnaimy his wife were arrested.

Via a telephone call, Lázaro Prieto, President of CAPPF and CDHD 2506 Director in Cuba, informed me of the details of the unexpected arrest.

Prieto Alvarez stated that yesterday during the morning hours, a political police officer showed up at the home of Doctor Ferrer and his wife with the intention of handing them a citation considered urgent.

The citation required that both of them appear at the Unit of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR), known as Aguilera, in the neighborhood of Lawton, municipality of 10 de Octubre.

Lázaro informed us that Ferrer’s wife was under the impression that the citation was for the purpose of clarifying the origin of materials that they had in their possession and were confiscated during the violent raid and bruising they suffered last week at the hands of the same authorities.

Once again it was in fact an orchestrated deception by the Cuban repressive forces, because Ferrer’s wife was allowed to leave the precinct shortly after being interrogated, the case was not the same for Darsi, even when they promised her that after some "rigorous" questioning, they would do the same (release) with her husband.

Today July 22nd, also in the morning hours, the same hired repressor from Tuesday, once again appeared at the home of the Ferrer family with a citation for both of them.

This official informed Darsi’s wife that the Prosecutor's Office had issued preventive prison sentence for her spouse, having already transferred him to the Prisión de Valle Grande in the Cuban capital, and that she should head to the prison and request a visit for inmates, and thus be able to deliver personal hygiene necessities to her confined husband.

During previous months, we have alerted the international community of the vertiginous increase in repression against peaceful activists inside of Cuba.

With urgent concern, our organization has throughout informed the media and provided detailed information on the harassment and persecutions unleashed by these same police authorities, whose clear purpose is to try to silence and force into submission, those who clamor for freedom from repression.

Join our effort and struggle by demanding the immediate release of Doctor Ferrer, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all political and prisoners of conscience, who are unfairly and arbitrarily confined in Castro’s dungeons.

We must once and for all demand that these repressive practices cease and demand the return of a true state of Rights for all the people of Cuba.

Testimony of a mother who survived in the sinking of the Tugboat “13 de marzo "

2009-07-15T23:47:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of Brothers to Rescue

On July 13, 1994, an incident caused by the Cuban regime occurred in front of the Cuban coast, and became known the world over as the MASSACRE OF TUGBOAT “13 DE MARZO” That day, seventy-two men, women and children boarded this small boat with the sole intention of escaping to the United States. The boat was pursued by the Castro coast guard for about 45 minutes. It was then that the Cuban government began to charge the boat, with the defenseless refugees onboard, causing its fateful sinking. The vivid testimony of a mother who survived the tragedy, María Victoria García Suárez, is recounted below. On that day, Maria Victoria lost her husband, her 10 year old son, her brother, three uncles and two cousins. Her heart wrenching testimony reveals what it happened to her small child once they fell into the water.

María Victoria García Suárez. 30 years of age. Mother who survived but lost her son in Massacre of Tugboat 13 de Marzo.

I confess that although we live together, I find it very embarrassing to speak with my daughter regarding this matter. And is not because she refuses to speak about it, but that we both experience and share feelings of deep pain that make it difficult to talk about it freely.

She describes with exactitude the tragic moments lived that day and manages to make me feel like a protagonist of that event. In the end we both finished emotionally worn.

This is the second time I interview her since that fateful day. And each time she recounts the same story, to ensure that there are no doubts regarding the veracity of her narration. Now she adds more richness to her account.

Malli, as she is called at home, does not know hatred nor violence. Her childhood has taken place in an atmosphere of love and understanding. Precisely because of the lack of negativity in her being, the impact of this bitter experience is multiplied and it opens an enormous abyss of pain in her heart.

This stirring story took place one afternoon in a room of my two-bedroom house. Also, present that day were my son Jorge Felix and my nephew Iván.

“With our belongings over our shoulders we took the bus. In my group were: Juan Mario my son, Ernesto my husband, Joel my brother, Eddy and Estrella my aunt and uncle, Eliecer and Omar my cousins, Maria María Miralis and Xicdy the wife and daughter of Omar. In addition, Armando Morales Piloto a friend of Eddy, Julia Caridad and his son Angel René, and Yaltamira with Jose Carlos; Espiga also came along. Already inside the bus were Lazaro Borges (Felo) the driver and a cousin of my father, his wife Lisset and her daughter Giselle, and Guillermo his uncle. We left uncertain of where we were heading.

Ten or fifteen minutes later, we stopped. I thought about the police and I pulled the curtain to one side of the window to be able to see out. We were in the rotunda of Cojimar picking up another group. They were many. After greeting each other, we proceeded.

I let the curtain open to look about. We were traveling by the Vía Blanca on route to Havana towards the Paso Superior. When we arrived at the Vía Blanca & Fábrica traffic light, instead of turning right towards the port, we continued straight ahead and entered la Benéfica.

In the parking lot the engine cut off as if waiting for someone that hadn’t arrived; I realized that we were just killing time. Felo had Radio Reloj on the loudspeaker.

We did not delay for long, and started on our way immediately. Two policemen greeted us when we exited. We rode along patrols until we were in front of the cement factory. There, we turned at Anillo and soon arrived at the point. The wharf was a little beyond the plant of Tallapiedra, in the front sidewalk.

I woke up the boy who was asleep and we got off. Some had forgotten and left their knapsack on the floor. I gathered it and I gave it to them later. Felo put the bus on the ramp; he locked it and left the keys in the ignition.

We entered the tugboat, one after another without making any noise. A man guided us saying: Hold on carefully. Be careful not to slip. Stay clear of the motor. By the right or by the left. Get close to the walls near the hull.

With the child at my side, I could not provide answers to quell his restlessness. I told him we were going camping and now the reality before him was another. For this reason he keeps asking: Mom, where are we going?

And I would repeat to him: On a trip… on a trip, then he looked sideways and he said shis, shis, as if frying eggs. He is not satisfied, complains and repeats: darn… listen to me…

When they asked me to I went above deck, while my husband protested. Down, he said, and he tried to hold on to me, but I said to him: follow me and he didn’t do it. With me were other mothers with their children, they were only a few of us there.

I situated myself near the stern underneath a tarp that served as ceiling and we held onto a wooden mast that had a bell above it. I put my son in an enclosure near the base of the mast. We were sailing for awhile when my son looking back asked me: Mom, what is that light? Then I looked back and realized that another boat was following us. Yes my son, it is another boat, I said to him while keeping my sight fixed in that direction.

My boy kept insisting. He shook his small hands and his eyes appeared to bulge out: Mom, mom, it’s getting closer…!

Someone up front warned us that we were being pursued, and I felt that we were going faster but our pursuers were gaining on us. They started to spray us with pressure hoses which pushed hard against our sides. I tried to shield my son with my body. I heard the shouts of a terrified woman: My son…, my son…! It appeared that the water pressure tore the child from her arms.

We were there where the Galleon berths. People in the Malecón saw everything. It could not see well in front, because the lights they shown blinded us.

They aimed the pressure hose sprays at me and left me almost naked. They felt like nails sinking into my back and thighs; but the boy although he was soaked, was not harmed. I rotated from side to side, acting as his shield. Poor thing, tight against my chest he would say to me faintly: Oh mommy, what is this…? Dear God save us…! To encourage him I would tell him not to be scared; to hold on just a little… that the bad part would soon be over. But on and on the jets sprayed us with blows.

Those near me fled from the attacks, some were brutally hurled against the iron and wood. I was left alone with my son holding onto the wooden mast; I feared moving and being thrown too. I did not have any other choice but to wait until they got tired or they killed us.

I was with my back to the stern, and the boy warned me: Watch out mom, they’re coming on top of us! I tried protecting myself by squeezing myself and the boy against the mast. It looked as if a shark was coming to swallow us. It mounted the tugboat splitting the stern and reached us. It almost pinned me against the mast. The child screamed and trembled and tearfully cried out: We surrender, we surrender…

Another man called out: Jabao. Jabao, leave us already… can’t you see there are women and children…

And the assassin mockingly replied: Wasn’t that what you all wanted? There you have it, now figure it out however you can or else die!

Our boat sank and I was desperate and unsure of what to do. I grabbed the child and I carried him. Poor thing, he prayed, and was horrified. He would bite his nails as if he sensed something terrible.

The water began to rise, or rather, we began to sink. I told the child: Papi, leave the enclosure and climb on top of me. Now put your legs around my waist and hold on to my neck with your arms… hold on tight and don’t let go of me… take in enough air and keep your mouth closed. All this I said in the middle of a situation that was worsening, and he listened to me.

- Yes mom, were the last words he said in a low voice barely audible. Little by little we kept sinking until the sea almost swallowed us completely. I do not know when I went down or how I came up. I didn’t know if I died or if I was reborn. I moved my legs rapidly and we floated up twice. The child continued to hold on as if asleep. Then I called to him: Joanmi, Joanmi, but he did not respond. He has lost his strength because of all the water he swallowed; it was as if he fainted.

I stayed afloat moving my legs rapidly. I looked around and held onto a bulk floating by; it seemed like a raft, but it was Rosa already dead. I recalled her shouts of desperation during the attacks. I held onto her, calling out for help; I feared losing time and that my boy would die. There were others whose heads were all that could be seen, and who also shouted out. And those boats that sank us, they kept circling us creating whirlpools, I couldn’t hang on this way for much longer. Then I discovered a box floating nearby with a group of people on top of it. I tried to reach it with the child at all costs, and pushed Rosa aside. I got close enough to reach an outstretched arm. Some reached their arms out to me to shorten the distance; but when I let go of Rosa to grab hold of the people, I did it with such force and desperation that all of them fell on top of me. Because of them and those who were grabbing my legs from behind to stay afloat and save themselves, the child broke loose and drifted away from me. I screamed in desperation: Get the child for me, help, he’ll drown! , but nothing, everything was useless. It lost him before my very eyes, and saddest part was, he didn’t have the strength to swim alone, having already swallowed so much water.

Next to others, I remained on the edge of the box. The tugboats backed off when someone tried to reach them asking for help. Finally some coast guard boats threw life-savers tied with lines.

Author’s Note:

Of the people who made up Maria Victoria’s group, only two were saved: two cousins, she and Armando Morales Piloto. All the others perished.

The Cuban government did not make any attempt to rescue the sinking boat; neither did they give the corpses of the victims to their relatives. They did not have the political will to conduct a judicial process to condemn the guilty. Those guilty of this crime continue to roam the streets of Cuba with impunity.

The Victims of the sinking of the Tugboat “13 de Marzo” – July 13, 1994

1. Hellen Martínez Enríquez (5 meses) 2. Xicdy Rodríguez Fernández (2 años)

3. Angel René Abreu Ruiz (3 años) 4. José Carlos Nicle Anaya (3 años)

5. Giselle Borges Alvarez (4 años) 6. Caridad Leyva Tacoronte (5 años)

7. Juan Mario Gutiérrez García (10 años) 8. Yasser Perodín Almanza (11 años)

9. Yousell Eugenio Pérez Tacoronte (11 años) 10. Eliecer Suárez Plasencia (12 años)

11. Mayulis Menéndez Tacoronte (17 años) 12. Miladys Sanabria Cabrera (19 años)

13. Joel García Suárez (20 años) 14. Odalys Muñoz García (21 años)

15. Yaltamira Anaya Carrasco (22 años) 16. Yuliana Enríquez Carrazana (22 años)

17. Lissett María Alvarez Guerra (24 años) 18. Jorge Gregorio Balmaseda Castillo (24 años)

19. Ernesto Alfonso Loureiro (25 años) 20. María Miralis Fernández Rodríguez (27 años)

21. Jorge Arquímedes Levrígido Flores (28 años) 22. Leonardo Notario Góngora (28 años)

23. Pilar Almanza Romero (31 años) 24. Rigoberto Feu González (31 años)

25. Omar Rodríguez Suárez (33 años) 26. Lázaro Enrique Borges Briel (34 años)

27. Martha Caridad Tacoronte Vega (35 años) 28. Julia Caridad Ruiz Blanco (35 años)

29. Eduardo Suárez Esquivel (38 años) 30- Martha M.Carrasco Sanabria - 45 años

31. Augusto Guillermo Guerra Martínez (45 años) 32. Rosa María Alcal de Puig (47 años)

33. Estrella Suárez Esquivel (48 años) 34. Reynaldo Joaquín Marrero Alamo (48 años)

35. Amado González Raíces (50 años) 36. Fidencio Ramel Prieto Hernández (51 años)

37. Manuel Cayol (50 años)

Support from CAPPF for Dr. Darsi Ferrer’s “The Path of Dreams” walk

2009-07-15T17:51:00.001-07:00

by Froilán Osmany Rodriguez

July 9, 2009

Participation on the part of a family of activists from the Commission for Assistance to Political Prisoners and their Families (CAPPF) in support Dr. Darsi Ferrer’s call to join him in “The Path of Dreams” walk through the streets along Havana’s malecon, in the zone Avenida del Puerto, directly in front of the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales.

Report on the critical conditions that political prisoners and their relatives are exposed to by the regime

2009-07-15T17:36:00.001-07:00

Prepared by the Commission for Assistance to Political Prisoners and Families (CAPPF)

by Lázaro Prieto Álvarez (President of CAPPF and Delegate for CDHD-2506)

July 10, 2009 – 2nd Report

Political Prisoner: Pedro Pablo Pulido Ortega

Cause: 2-97 and other crimes against the security of the state

Sentence: 15 years

Prison: Guamajar, Santa Clara

Relative: Olga Ortega Arbares

Address: Calle 107 entre 9 y Calzada Plaza

Family Visits: every 45 days

His state of health is regular because one of his testicules was recently operated and he is in a lot of pain; this condition arose due to the blows he receives at the hands of prison officials and the wave of repression they unleash on prisoners of the Castro regime. Cuban officials refuse to give him conditional release, even though he has requested it from the court on 3 occasions, and it has been denied.

Donations from CAPPF: 1 bath soap, 1 package of spaghetti, 1 package of coffee, 1 tube of toothpaste, 3 lbs. of sweet peas and 5 lbs. of sugar

Visit made by CAPPF activists: Elba l. Muñoz Maynoldi, Fernando Jesús Vergara and Liesner Espinosa Rueda

Political Prisoner: Máximo Pradera Valdés & Santiago Padrón Quintero

Sentence: awaiting trial

Prison: Combinado del Este

Relative: Lisbet Álvarez Alvarado

Address: Bella 61 entre Finlay & Cisneros Betancourt

Family Visits: every 45 days

They have been in prison since the year 2000 until 2009 without being given a trial for this sentence. Their state of health is critical and they suffer from psoriasis and retention of fluid.

Donations from CAPPF: 2 bath soaps, 1 package of spaghetti, 1 tube of toothpaste, 2 lbs. of complete seasoning, 2 lbs. of red beans, 5 lbs. of raw sugar, and medications sanavitas 4 tablets and espironalactona 2 tablets

Visit made by CAPPF activists: Fernando Jesús Vergara Arguello, Elba l. Muñoz Maynoldi, Liesner Espinosa Rueda and Amanda I. Trelles Maynoldi

Commemoration of the 7th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban Liberal Movement (MLC)

2009-07-15T17:05:00.001-07:00

by Pedro Fontanals Miranda, President of Cuban Liberal Movement (MLC)

July 2, 2009

Photo courtesy of Vladimir Torres Pérez

Havana. On July 2nd surrounded by repressive actions on the part of the political police of Cuba (DSE), we commemorated the 7th anniversary of the Cuban Liberal movement (MLC).

With great spirit, we forge ahead in our fight for human rights, the release of all political and prisoners of conscience, for the freedom that the people of Cuba yearn for, and we are confident that someday we will have a truly democratic and just nation where all Cubans are equal.

The activity took place in the home of pacifist activist, Andrés Perez Suarez, Human Rights Secretary for the Cuban Liberal Movement (MLC), located in Callejón Balbosa No.13 between Calzada de Güines & Final María Luisa, San Miguel del Padron, Havana.

May God Bless Us and Long Live Human Rights

Many Thanks, Pedro Fontanals Miranda

Those who participated in the activity were:

Miguel Amado Reyes Fonseca

Julio Cesar Gálvez del Llano

Medardo Maldonado Romero

Julio Cesar Pena Laballe

Mario Moraga Ramos

Miguel Albardado Marrero

Asdrúbal Lores Donatien

Andrés Pérez Suarez

Rafael Céspedes Rodríguez

Matilde Telles Ramírez

Regla Ríos Casado

Pedro Fontanals Miranda

Raicel Rodríguez Rivera

Vladimir Torres Perez

Photo courtesy of Vladimir Torres Pérez

The Municipal Opposition Government is established in Santiago, Cuba

2009-07-14T20:57:00.001-07:00

by Víctor E Sánchez, Periodista Independiente

Agencia de Prensa Libre Oriental (APLOPRESS)

July 10, 2009

Santiago, Cuba. In afternoon of Friday, July 10th the Commissioners of the Municipal Opposition in Santiago, Cuba, met to inaugurate its primary headquarter, “La Casa del Pueblo.” The president of the Municipal Opposition, Gerald Sanchez Ortega, made the official presentation to the different commissioners and inaugurated the main headquarter “Casa del Pueblo”. Later in the afternoon, the fundamentals of the “Project of the Municipalities of Opposition” was read and analyzed, as well as the objectives and the activities that would be carried out.

Also, the working plan for the different sectors was discussed, and some cases were given first consideration by the Commissioners of Housing and Commerce, who will work to bring the first suits before the authorities and also expressed their commitment to represent these citizens in the defense of their rights.

The Municipal Opposition of Santiago, Cuba was integrated in the following manner:

Juan Carlos Hernandez, Promoter of the Initiative of the Ungoverned Democrats and the Municipal Opposition Governments

Gerald Sanchez Ortega, President

Citlalis Monserrat Paschal Fonseca, Secretary

Meinaldo Fonseca Calderín, Administrator

Pedro Antonio Alonso Perez, Commissioner of Agriculture

Alexis Odio, Commissioner of Health

Jose Angel Lorenzo Knoll, Commissioner of Transportation

Rubén Sanchez Vega, Commissioner of Housing

Yanorkis Oberto Ferrera, Commissioner of Human rights

Paschal Yamila Sanchez, Commissioner of Education

Michel Hechavarría González, Commissioner of Commerce

La Casa del Pueblo
Address: General Camacho # 10 between 3 & Gasómetro. Veguita de Galo Neighborhood, Santiago, Cuba. Telephone: 53 22 624773

Photo Feature - The Cameras

2009-07-14T20:28:00.001-07:00

by Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello

July 6, 2009

City of Havana. Community activist, Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca, has taken some photographs of recently installed observation cameras in numerous streets of Havana. To install these, the Cuban government has invested the 20% that they deduct from each dollar that enters the country, although “comrade Fidel” says that they distribute this sum to those that do not receive remittances.

With streets and houses destroyed in 80% of the districts of the capital, the few economic resources on which the country can count on at this moment is instead invested by the government on repressive measures.

In a many of the places where these cameras have been installed, some take them for adornments or other parts of the electrical network, so much so, that most of the people who happen to pass them by do not even they know that there is a camera there.

Not only are everyday Cubans harassed by the use of this equipment, but it is also used in the places where diplomats and foreigners reside.

In some of the photos it is going to be difficult at first glance, to actually see the security camera.

We know that these systems exist in some developed countries of the world, but these countries do not have the dire need that the people of Cuba have.

The person sitting on this balcony is oblivious to the camera on the post in the corner of their apartment

Those that drive on this street do not realize they are being watched

Looks like an adornment

In a centrally situated corner of the Municipality of Centro Habana

It looks like part of a lamp

Old Havana

Well situated in this intersection

Galiano & Neptuno

Hotels are not left behind

The Malecon in the Capital

In the centrally situated streets of the Capital

Hermanos Amejeiras Hospital

Calle 23 and the Malecon, Vedado

Hotel Havana Libre

In front of the ice cream parlor Coppelia

From this corner began the conga of homosexuals with Mariela Castro, under vigilance

2009-07-14T19:20:00.001-07:00

Report on the critical conditions that political prisoners and their relatives are exposed to by the regime

Prepared by the Commission for Assistance to Political Prisoners and Families (CAPPF)

by Lázaro Prieto Álvarez (President of CAPPF and Delegate for CDHD-2506)

July 9, 2009 – 1st Report

Political Prisoner: Claro Fernando Alonso Hernández

Accusation: Revelation of State Security secrets

Sentence: 30 years

Prison: Combinado del Este

Relative: Caridad Hernández Vaquero (Aunt)

Address: Línea de Ferrocarril No. 1606 Esquina Calzada, 10 de octubre

Needs muscle rub (cream), which he has approved for a minimum of 3 years but has not received it.

Donations from CAPPF: 2 bars of guava, 1 bath soap, 1 bar of detergent soap, 6 pounds of sugar, 10 Tetracycline tablets and 100 sheets of white paper

Visit made by CAPPF activists: Ronald Echenique Sánchez, Luis Herrera Linares and José Manual de Los Ángeles Laribet

Political Prisoner: Agusto Guerra Márquez

Cause: Opposition

Prison: Agüica

Sentence: 10 years

Relative: Gerardo Lezcano Naranjo

Address: Dolores No. 4 between Aramburo & Lindero

Visits: Monthly

We met with Gerald Lescano who says he is thankful for the attention that we are offering his brother Agusto.

Donations from CAPPF: 5 pounds of sugar, 2 packets of sodas, 2 bath soaps, 1 bottle of bocadito paste and 1 pound of complete seasoning

Visit made by CAPPF activists: Lenar Saborit Almira, Luis E. Flores Díaz, Esperan Almira Díaz, Félix Hernández Fuentes and Enid Hernández Luque

Ex-Political Prisoner: Enrique Montero García

Address: 10 de octubre No. 1007 A between Línea de ferrocarril & Genaro Sánchez

He served a 2 years sentence for opposition.

The former prisoner Enrique at this time is in very bad health. He is 73 years of age, despite his poor health, he continues to ask God to grant him the health to see a free Cuba. He needs crystal Acetil Aerosol and any syrup that clears up his bronchial problems, because his bronchitis has become unbearable.

Donations from CAPPF: 1 bath soap, 1 detergent soap and 10 tetracycline tablets

Visit made by CAPPF activists: Ronald Echenique Sánchez, Luis Herrera Linares and José Manual de Los Ángeles Laribet

Ex- Political Prisoner: Petra Serafina Díaz Castillo

Cause: 369-964

Sentence: 10 Years

Prison Santa Clara

Address: Aramburo No 1 between 10 de Octubre & Dolores

We with this Petra Serafina (Lady in White), who told us that she was not in good health, but despite this she remains firm, fighting for the freedom of all the political and prisoners of conscience.

Donations from CAPPF: 2 pounds of rice, 1 bottle of bocadito paste, 1 bath soap, 2 packets of soda, 1 pound of complete seasoning, 3 pounds of sugar pounds and Fruits (Mangoes)

Visit made by CAPPF activists: Lenar Saborit Almira, Luis E. Flores Díaz, Esperan Almira Díaz, Félix Hernández Fuentes and Enid Hernández Luque