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A Cuban Dissident Close to Death
Posted on Mon, Feb. 24, 2003 in
The Miami Herald.
Seven years ago today, Cuban war planes shot down two civilian Cessnas and
murdered four South Floridians on a humanitarian search and rescue mission. The
deaths of Armando Alejandre, Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña and Pablo
Morales will be remembered here today in ceremonies and masses.
In a Cuban prison, meanwhile, Leonardo Bruzón Avila's life hangs in
precarious balance because he, too, tried to commemorate the Feb. 24 shoot-down
victims a year ago today. Should he die, Mr. Bruzón's blood will enlarge
the stain on the Cuban regime, which should then be held accountable for yet
another heinous murder.
Mr. Bruzón, 47, is the president of the 24th of February Movement, a
human-rights group. He and other activists were arrested last year as they
planned commemorative activities for their namesake date. So far, he has not
been charged or tried for any offenses.
Along with other political prisoners, Mr. Bruzón began a hunger
strike in August to protest the lack of any legal process. That ended 59 days
later, when Cuban authorities finally took him to a hospital. Family members who
saw him then said he was down to about 70 pounds and could barely speak. He
recuperated somewhat in the hospital for about a month and was returned to
prison. But such a long fast leaves permanent damage. Sources close to his
family report that Mr. Bruzón renewed his hunger strike in January.
Currently he is being held at Havana's notorious Combinado del Este prison.
The latest news came early this month from a fellow political prisoner who wrote
that Mr. Bruzón, who had been locked in a cell with violent criminals,
had been taken to the prison's hospital after suffering serious chest pains. Mr.
Bruzón was shaking uncontrollably and "felt dead from the waist
down.''
While his mother was allowed to see him in the hospital a few days later,
prison authorities have barred her from returning until next month. Nor is there
any information on his condition or medical treatment. Sadly, such cruel and
inhuman abuse is normal for the Cuban regime.
Amnesty International and the U.S. State Department are concerned that Mr.
Bruzón may be a victim of denied medical care. Human-rights advocates
should demand quality care and news about his condition. Prayers for Mr. Bruzón
are a fitting tribute to the four South Floridians shot down on this date. | 
