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CUBA:
Blind lawyer writes from prison
Open Letter: To international public opinion,
from Cuban blind lawyer, Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Leiva, imprisoned without a trial since march
4, 2002, and suffering physical and mental torture
at the hands of Cuban officials
State Security Prison. Pedernales, Holguin, Cuba
September 16, 2003
Twenty days ago I began to go out and walk for
an hour through an alley which divides two penitentiaries.
I go in search of some fresh air as a follow-up
to the tortures I am subjected to. During my strolls
by the edge of a sidewalk 50 meters long I have
tripped three times over metal chairs, as well
as trash and small rocks, in the presence of police
officials. Originally, these objects were never
in my way, appearing at different moments after
I began my strolls.
Last week, a fire was started at the edge of
this sidewalk. I smelled the smoke and moved away
as I also felt the scorching heat of the flames.
This occurred in front of all the communists who
work in this prison. September 11th, they placed
in my path a rotten animal full of fire ants that
covered me with stings as I attempted, with my
foot, to remove the rotten creature out of the
way.
Numerous military prison officials try to hide
my state of health by telling all my family members
that I am doing exercises. These officials ask
me on a daily basis to do push-ups and abdominals.
I, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva denounce before
the world the fact that Cuban State Security is
releasing chemical or biological substances, as
ordered by the head prison officer, Major Saguo
together with his subordinate officials in the
State Security Prison in Holguin where I am confined.
These substances are making me progressively very
ill with bronchial congestion, head and eye pain,
burning sensation in my nasal passages, as well
as an itching and tingling sensation all over
my skin that prevent me from getting any sleep.
Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva
President of the Cuban Foundation for Human Rights
Testimony provided via telephone from Cuba
by Maritza Calderin Columbie, wife of Juan Carlos
Gonzalez Leiva. Recorded and translated to English
in the USA.
Coalition of Cuban-American Women/ LAIDA CARRO
Email: Joseito76@aol.com
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