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Continuing imprisonment of Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Leiva
Dear Minister Felipe Perez Roque,
We of the World Blind Union are deeply troubled by the continuing
imprisonment of Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Leiva, without charge or court hearing.
We are informed that this blind man is in poor physical and mental condition
and that he is seriously disorientated; also, that he shares his cell with
violent criminals.
Increasingly, from organizations of the blind around the world, as well as
from humanitarian and religious agencies, we are receiving urgent messages to
intercede with the Cuban authorities on behalf of Sr. Gonzalez-Leiva. The WBU
cannot tolerate such harsh treatment of a blind person who, according to our
information, has not committed any chargeable offence. We therefore appeal to
the Cuban Government for clemency and compassion for Sr. Gonzalez-Leiva and his
family, and for his immediate release.
The Cuban organization of the blind is to host a meeting of the WBU in
September this year and its officers count amongst the most respected blind
leaders in Latin America. Besides the humanitarian considerations, we wish to
protect the interests of our Cuban affiliate, which takes great pride in the
progress of the blind citizens of your country.
Yours respectfully
Kicki Nordstrom
WBU President
William Rowland
WBU Spokesperson On Human Rights
PS: A copy of our earlier letter of 3 April is attached as confirmation of
our first intervention. | 
