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Holguin, Cuba. December 10, 2002
TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OPINION
Your Excellency Kofi
Annan, UN Secretary General.
To all World Governments.
To all
Christian Churches in the world.
Humanitarian and Human Rights
organizations.
To all Mothers in the world.
We, the family members of Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva, a blind Cuban confined
since last March 4th in the State Security Prison in Holguin, have been very
patient, expecting a just decision on behalf of the Cuban government concerning
this well known case. But, we just received notice after nine months elapsed,
that the trial will not take place this month either.
We know our dear Juan Carlos is totally innocent and acted compelled by his
Christian faith and his natural vocation to serve humanity: none better than his
own family to provide convincing evidence of this fact. However, what we have
witnessed is a torrent of hate and vengeance from State Security upon a
defenseless blind man who is our son, our brother, our loved one. These painful
acts hurt us and are deadly for our own family.
Taking into consideration what we previously explained, we have decided to
begin a fast to which we have not set a date of conclusion. Our purpose is to
ask God's intercession and, secondly request the immediate release of our dear
Juan Carlos and his imprisoned fellow activists, given that Juan Carlos is in
danger of loosing his life: weighing 90 pounds, is suffering claustrophobia and
other illnesses.
We are willing to fight for a loved one we do not wish to loose and for whom
we have been struggling in the manner we thought was correct and would provide
the desired results. That is, we have sent letters to the Central Committee (
the first one May 6, 2002 ), the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic and the
Ministry of Justice. The Military Prosecutor answered us stating there were no
violations committed while we haven't received a word from any other
governmental entity.
Through the lawyer who represents Juan Carlos, Isahín Valdivia, we
have requested right to bail due to his critical state of health, but this
appeal was denied making reference, among other things to "dangerousness".
In what manner is our loved one, a blind man, dangerous to a government who has
all the force and the power?
We are not human rights activists or members of the opposition; we are a
loving family who prefers to be dragged by iniquity and hate rather than loose
that special person so dear to all of us.
Therefore, we petition intelligence and good sense of the Cuban authorities
and plead to all humanity. Hopefully our request will reach Alaska and all
continents where many, on their knees, ask God's mercy for a blind Cuban
presently weighing 90 pounds.
We ask this in the name of Christ, whom Juan Carlos loves and serves.
The family members of Juan Carlos González Leiva:
Agustin Gonzalez Ferrer - Father
Carmen Leiva Rodriguez - Mother
His brothers: Amada, Andres, Jose, Minerva, Daisy, Onel y Silvia
His wife
Maritza Calderin Columbie and other family
Testimony obtained via telephone from Cuba in the voice of Maritza
Calderin Columbie. Recorded, transcribed, & translated/ USA, by the
Coalition of Cuban American-Women/LAIDA CARRO. Email address: Joseito76@aol.com | 
