ESCRITORES CONCEDEN PREMIO LIBERTAD DE EXPRESION A CUBANO NORMANDO HERNANDEZ

La Asociación Noruega de Escritores concedió hoy su premio anual a la Libertad de Expresión al autor y periodista cubano Normando Hernández González, encarcelado desde 2003 en Cuba.

Hernández, de 38 años, se encuentra recluido en la cárcel Kilo 7, situada a 570 kilómetros de La Habana, sentenciado por "actos contra la independencia y la integridad del Estado" durante los juicios sumarísimos celebrados en abril de 2003 contra 75 disidentes, conocidos como "la Primavera Negra".

El periodista cubano es el primer latinoamericano que recibe el premio desde 1999, cuando lo recibió el primer ministro peruano, Yehude Simon Munaro, quién entonces se encontraba encarcelado en Lima bajo el régimen de Alberto Fujimori.

La Asociación Noruega de Escritores denunció en un comunicado que Hernández ha sufrido maltrato y mala alimentación e higiene, lo que han hecho que se encuentre "muy enfermo y pese sólo 52 kilos", por lo que le ha pedido a las autoridades cubanas su liberación por razones humanitarias.

El premio tiene su origen en un regalo del Ministerio de Cultura para celebrar el primer centenario de la Asociación Noruega de Escritores en 1993 y está dotado con 100.000 coronas noruegas (16.000 dólares).

WHAT CUBA EMBARGO?

By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:20 PM PT
(Source: http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=327626333703148)

Trade: Many Americans favor ending the trade embargo on Cuba, saying sanctions don't work and Cubans' lives will improve. But a recent AP report unwittingly proves that trade only props up the oppressive regime.

Some 34,000 American tourists sneak into Cuba illegally each year, determined to get an "authentic" Cuban experience on Varadero Beach or in old Havana.
In Cuba's old hotels, they sip daiquiris, a pre-revolutionary Cuban cocktail, like Ernest Hemingway. These travelers kick in a share of the $1.2 billion tourist income to the Cuban economy.

The Associated Press found the experience they get is largely Made In America. The daiquiri mix used in Havana, for instance, is the same stuff you get in an Atlanta fern bar.
The AP also found the Communist Party's propaganda "newspaper" in the tourist hotel is made from genuine Alabama wood pulp.

Meanwhile, the Cuban bureaucrats who deny that same Alabama newsprint to a free press go shopping in special stores for the party elite brimming with goods stocked from — you got it — Uncle Sam's empire. Ordinary Cubans get nothing.

The whole tourist experience is bogus, with U.S. businesses telling AP that since Cubans are too poor — making $18 a month, on average — to buy their goods, they want more U.S. tourists to do so.

This shows that what passes for an embargo on Cuba really isn't one. The U.S. sells $718 million in goods to Cuba through a 2000 legal loophole that permits the sale of food, medicine and lesser-known goods like chemicals, crude materials, machinery and transport equipment, according to the Census Bureau.

The goods do nothing for average Cubans. No, these goods merely prop up the Castro regime through the circular dynamic of tourists and goods. The daiquiris come from the U.S., the tourists follow to drink them, and Castro's regime skims the profits.

No end to the embargo will stop that, because there is no consumer market for goods or services in Cuba; there's only bureaucratic distribution. The one thing Cuba's regime cannot create is a real economy that produces things of value, like tasty daiquiris.

For an authentic Cuban experience, tourists would need to "savor" rationing, shortages, long lines and bureaucratic indifference, because that's the real product of Cuba's regime.
The tourist illusion is pernicious, because for outsiders it creates a picture of a nation that only needs goods. The AP report shows that goods are plentiful — or potentially so.

The real problem is communism — not lack of trade. The only people the embargo's end will help are the party's oppressive elites.

Their first interest is in perpetrating their hold on power. If U.S. goods and tourists achieve that, then goods and tourists it will be.

COALITION OF CUBAN-AMERICAN WOMEN MEMBER SPEAKS AT CONGRESSIONAL LUNCHEON IN WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 13, 2009

On May 13, 2009, nine congressional representatives sponsored a luncheon in the Longfellow Building in Washington, DC. The topic of presentation at the luncheon was focused on human rights violations in Cuba, particularly those directed towards women. Special tribute was paid to Las Damas de Blanco (the Ladies in White). Coalition member, Tanya Wilder, spoke to a group of 35-40 office staffers, representing various Congressmen and women in the House of Representatives. Taking advantage of the day, a group of Cuban political prisoners from New Jersey were in Washington to speak with representatives about repression in Cuba and freedom for Cuban political prisoners.

(In this photo, Coalition of Cuban-American Women member, Tanya Wilder, stands by Cuban political prisoner, Israel Abreu. Congressional Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, center, was one of nine representatives who sponsored the congressional luncheon. The other folks in the photo are Cubans who came to the luncheon from various part of the country. )

The text of Tanya Wilder's speech...

Good afternoon….
I am honored to be here today as a representative of The Coalition of Cuban-American Women to address human rights violations, particularly violations suffered by women in Cuba. These women are currently best represented by the ongoing struggle, determination and persistence of Las Damas de Blanco, the Ladies in White, winners of the distinguished Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2005.

As stated in the recently released (2008) Annual Report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, “Cuba is the only country in the Hemisphere where it can be stated categorically that there is no freedom of expression.” Anyone who dissents or denounces human rights abuses in Cuba, be they journalists, laborers, teachers, or grass roots activists, does so at great risk. Human rights defenders frequently suffer acts of repudiation, that is, acts of violence directed at them and their families in retaliation for their involvement in human rights advocacy and peaceful opposition of the Cuban government.

Documented accounts over the past 50 years in video, print media, academic research and personal testimonies validate executions, tortures, arbitrary arrests, beatings, public humiliation and psychological abuse. Unfortunately, recent shifts in leadership on the island have not represented any level of improvement in direct or indirect repression toward the dissident community or Cuban political prisoners, who suffer degrading, sub-human, conditions and treatment in Cuban jails across the island.

Women human rights defenders on the island are especially vulnerable to hostility and reprisals. Just day before yesterday, May 11th, Directorio Democrático released an unedited video taken on May 5th, fewer than ten days ago, that shows premeditated aggression on the part of the Cuban government against three non-violent human rights activists in Cuba. In the video, captured in Placetas, Villa Clara, three members of the Rosa Parks Women’s Movement for Civil Rights are approached on the street, beaten and removed from the sight of the cameras by uniformed officials and State Security. These women, who were en route to the home of opposition leader, Jorge Luis García Pérez (Antúnez), were dragged through the streets, and suffered contusions to the face and blows inflicted to the ribs. According to reports, the activists were taken to another street, beaten and thrown up against patrol cars, where they were held in place with simulated strangulation and immobilization techniques and subsequently placed in jail for three hours.

Like these three women, others who summon the courage to campaign on behalf of human rights are regularly targeted by governmental agencies, (State Security, the Committee in Defense of the Revolution, and the Rapid Response Brigade). Similarly, they are often attacked by “turbas,” groups of citizens organized in the spirit of a mob mentality and abetted by one of the aforementioned agencies. However, despite pressure and intimidation imposed upon them from the totalitarian regime in Cuba, the voices of women who defend human rights in Cuba –professional as well common working women…all mothers, daughters, wives and sisters -- effectively advance the rights of all people on the island by challenging inequality, injustice, and governmental repression” on the island.

Take, for example, the case of Cuban poet, María Elena Cruz Varela. “On November 21, 1991, her friends were coerced by the Brigadas de Acción in order to make Maria Elena open door to her dwelling. When she did, she was pushed, face first, into the wall, her arms pinned behind her. Her intruders dragged her down the stairs and into the street. In public view, the Brigadas de Accion “rammed a manifesto she had written to protest the 31st anniversary of the Cuban Revolution down her throat.” In an interview in The American Poetry Review (1995), Maria Elena described how she was “made to kneel in the street.” She had clenched her teeth and refused to open her mouth until she could taste her own blood and could see it flow on the ground before her. But as her accusers cursed and beat her, she remained silent. Six days after her arrest, a closed trial was held, the officials charged her for ‘illegal association.’ and she was sentenced to prison. Stories of her subsequent imprisonment, interspersed with her cellmates' stories, would later find their way into her poems. (American Poetry Review, The , July, 1995: Cruz-Bernal, Mairym http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3692/is_199507/ai_n8713749/
In the voices of the Ladies in White, one hears similar stories. Las Damas de Blanco speak out tirelessly on behalf of their sons, husbands, brothers, and fathers who were arbitrarily arrested, tried without legal representation and subsequently imprisoned during the wave of repression known as the Black Spring in Cuba, in March, 2003.

In an interview recorded in July, 2008, Mercedes Elías, the wife of political prisoner, Jesús Mustafa Felipe, tells how her family suffered two acts of repudiation in which elementary and high school children were recruited to participate with the Committee in Defense of the Revolution. “They were all at my house along with State Security and the CDR. Since people in my neighborhood are good folks and sympathize with our cause, State Security goes to other neighborhoods and brings in students and people who are drunk, people who are low class citizens, for the acts of repudiation. They surround our house and shout that we’re antisocial people, that we want to place bombs all about…The method they use is to try to convince people we are going to put bombs in schools to hurt and kill children…”

In April, 2008, Noelia Pedraza Jiménez, wife of political prisoner and prisoner of conscience, Ariel Sigler Amaya wrote, “If I got started, I could go on forever. I’ve been a victim of various acts of repudiation organized by State Security….There have been insults, arrests and threats, but the most terrible incident occurred in 2006, when (State Security) threw my six-year old son into the river, leaving him to drown. I reported the incident as attempted murder. A policeman came to my house but didn’t pay any attention to me. It isn’t just. It isn’t fair for a child to have to suffer this sort of hate crime. I also had a child who died when he was 9 years old, and these people never fail to mention him and insult him …."

And finally, we hear the noble voice of Mrs. Gloria Amaya, the 80-year old mother of three political prisoners, two of whom remain in Cuban jails. Threatened with death, she lives in a constant state of fear. “State Security fractured one of my grandson’s skull, and they beat up another one with an electric cable…When my sons were arrested, they beat me as well and fractured my spine…That’s why I’m confined to a wheel chair now…But one day I went to walk with las Damas…They took me in my wheelchair to the church, and it was a great pleasure to be there with them…I hope I can return, but my legs fail me now and I can’t walk alone anymore…But this is what I tell my sons..’ Hold your head high and keep it high, just like your mother does…”

These accounts, and multitudes like them, are on record, but those of many other women across Cuba whose stories match them in poignancy and courage have yet to be chronicled.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Cuba is a signatory, ensures that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” Among other basic human rights, the declaration also delineates that: 1) “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment; “2) that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression;” and 3) that “no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation.” However, the recently issued (2008) Annual Report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expresses “its concern for the difficult situation faced by organizations to inform the international community about the situation of human rights in Cuba because of potential reprisals…Likewise, the Commission is particularly concerned that defenders may be the target of a campaign to discredit them in response to their work in defending and promoting human rights in Cuba. The Inter-American Commission reiterates the need to adopt necessary measures to prevent the various State bodies from being used to harass people who work in the defense and promotion of human rights.” Similar concern and recommendations have been expressed by internationally regarded organizations such as The International Red Cross, Amnesty International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Reporters without Borders, and Physicians for Human Rights, to mention a few.

As an American whose heart belongs to Cuba and her people, it is indeed a great honor and privilege to acknowledge the courageous work of las Damas de Blanco and all human rights defenders in Cuba, as well as those in this country and around the world who denounce basic human rights violations for all Cubans. I am committed to continue to disseminate information about human rights violations in Cuban until there is not further need to do so. When my children ask me who my heroes are, I tell them stories from my work with Cuban political prisoners and courageous women like my colleague in human rights, Laida Carro, Bertha Antúnez, and the other Damas de Blanco. The Cuban people are my heroes, for in my estimation, they truly represent the epitome of courage and dignity.

In closing, I leave you with the words of perhaps Cuba’s most famous sons, José Martí. I find great inspiration in this quotation every day as I work to disseminate information through the The Coalition of Cuban-American Women’s blog.

Martí wrote, "The campaigns of the people are weak only when the hearts of women are not recruited to carry them out. But when women step in and help, when the naturally shy and quiet woman stands up and applauds, when the cultured and virtuous woman annoints the task with the sweetness of her affection, the campaign becomes invincible."

Thank you very much…..

CUBAN DEMOCRATIC RESISTANCE DENOUNCES THE POSSIBLE READMISSION OF CUBA TO THE OAS

For more information:
Directorio Democrático Cubano 305.220.2713
M.A.R. por Cuba 305.285.6808
Plantados 305.269.1812

PRESS RELEASE
Miami.

Assembly of the Resistance.

May 18, 2009.

More than 250 activists of the Cuban democratic resistance movement in Cuba have signed an open letter to the OAS denouncing Cuba’s possible readmission to the organization and calling for acknowledgement of Cuban civil society.

“Embrace the Cuban people. Condemn its dictatorship. Do not reinstate the Castro regime in the Latin American democratic community; open the doors of the OAS to the Cuban civil society that non-violently struggles for democratic transformation,” affirms the letter.

The message, an initiative from within the island and released in a press conference called by the Assembly of the Resistance, has been signed by distinguished Cuban leaders such as the activist and former political prisoner Jorge Luis García Pérez “Antúnez” and the president of the Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy Néstor Rodríguez Lobaina.

The proposal by the Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, to abolish the resolution suspending Cuba’s membership to the Inter-American System will be presented in the 39th General Assembly of the OAS held in San Pedro de Sula, Honduras on June 2nd and 3rd.

The Assembly of the Resistance is a coalition formed by members of pro-democratic organizations that support the Non-Cooperation with the Dictatorship Campaign launched by human rights activists in Cuba.

Below, the full text of the letter to the OAS with signatures:

To the Organization of American States

Republic of Cuba
May 15, 2009

We, members of the Cuban democratic opposition, along with our brothers in the Resistance who are exiled, consider it necessary to address you in the name of our people’s sovereign democratic aspirations.

We contemplate how a call for the readmission of the longest-lived and most oppressive of Latin American dictatorships to has been raised in the Latin American region, which, as if were not enough, the Castro dictatorship itself has reviled. It is a painful contradiction for the complete normalization of all ties with this tyrannical regime and the diplomatic acceptance of despotic rule on our Island to be proposed precisely on the 50th anniversary of the advent of totalitarianism in Cuba.

Cuba has not been separated from the OAS. It is the tyrannical regime which violates the public liberties of Cubans that has been separated. It is the Cuban nation which has continued to belong to this organization in symbolic tribute to the thousands of Cubans who have paid harshly for their democratic resistance against this regime.

Nevertheless, what worries us most is not the affront which would be committed against our rights by accepting the dictatorship which oppresses us as an equal in terms of the fundamental values of its democratic neighbors, but rather the damage that would be inflicted on the hemisphere itself.

It has cost great pain and sacrifice to banish dictatorships from our Latin America. To ignore the Inter American Democratic Charter, and specifically articles 1, 2, and 3 which state:
Article 1 - The peoples of the Americas have a right to democracy and their governments have an obligation to promote and defend it.
Article 2 - The effective exercise of representative democracy is the basis for the rule of law and of the constitutional regimes of the member states of the Organization of American States.

Article 3 - Essential elements of representative democracy include, inter alia, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, access to and the exercise of power in accordance with the rule of law, the holding of periodic, free, and fair elections based on secret balloting and universal suffrage as an expression of the sovereignty of the people, the pluralistic system of political parties and organizations, and the separation of powers and independence of the branches of government.

To readmit the totalitarian Castro regime to the OAS would mean opening the door to every kind of future despotism for the region, and would portend grave and unpredictable consequences for the millions of human beings who are part of the Latin American community.

We ask you, in the name of the very values of civilization, not to take this step. To do so would be to lower our American democratic community to the level of totalitarian barbarism. The 1962 Resolution expresses a clear democratic principle: there can be no democratic tolerance for the institutionalized violation of human rights embodied totalitarian, Marxist-Leninist regimes.

The Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, an institution affiliated to the OAS, has been one of the most serious and consistent institutions to document the atrocities committed by the Castro dictatorship against its own people.

Furthermore, we consider that the free Cuban nation would leave through the same door that the Castro regime may potentially be admitted to the OAS.

Consideramos además que por la misma puerta que entraría la dictadura castrista al ser admitida potencialmente por la OEA, saldría la nación cubana libre.

Embrace the Cuban people. Condemn its dictatorship. Do not reinstate the Castro regime in the Latin American democratic community; open the doors of the OAS to the Cuban civil society that non-violently struggles for democratic transformation.

Signatures:

1. Adailsa Emilia Calderón Castillo, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
2. Adis Noris Cruz Viamonte, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
3. Aidé Viamontes Márquez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
4. Alberto González Sardiñas, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos, Ciudad de La Habana.
5. Alberto Reyes Morales, Plantados, Coalición Central Opositora.
6. Alcides Rivera Rodríguez, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
7. Alejandrina García de la Riva, Dama de Blanco, esposa del prisionero político Diosdado González Marrero, Matanzas.
8. Alejandro Domínguez Merino, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
9. Alejandro Tur Valladares, Jagua Press, Coalición Central Opositora. Cienfuegos.
10. Alexis Carrillo Llanos, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
11. Alexis Muñoz Calvo, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
12. Alfredo Borroa Gallo, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
13. Alfredo Pozo Carbonell, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
14. Amado Ruiz Moreno, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
15. Ana Margarita Perdigón Brito, Coalición Central Opositora, Sancti Spiritus.
16. Ana Rosa Alfonso Arteaga, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
17. Andrés Fernando Bilbao Garcés, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
18. Angel Batista Vega, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov.
19. Angel Luis Santiesteban Rodes, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos.
20. Aniceto Mena Contreras, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coailición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
21. Antonia Rodríguez Mirabal. Activista de derechos humanos, Villa Clara.
22. Antonio Arias Torres, periodista independiente del Centro de Información Hablemos Press, Proyecto Comunitario Alegrías Infantiles, Ciudad de La Habana.
23. Aramilda Contreras Rodríguez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
24. Ariel González Cendiña, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana
25. Armando González Benítez, Partido del Pueblo Cubano, Ciudad de La Habana.
26. Armando Llánez Govín, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
27. Arnaldo Espósito Zaldívar, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
28. Arnoldo Batista Batista, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
29. Asnay Saurí Ibarra, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalición Central Opositora.
30. Bárbara Jiménez Contreras, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Movimiento Femenino Martha Abreu, Villa Clara.
31. Bárbara Ortiz Piris, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
32. Belkis Mena Contreras, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
33. Benigno Pérez Santiesteban. Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín
34. Bernardo Rogelio Arévalo Padrón, ex prisionero político y de conciencia, Cienfuegos.
35. Bienvenido Pedigón Pacheco, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Coalición Central Opositora. Sancti Spiritus.
36. Blas Fortún Martínez, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara
37. Caridad Burunate Gómez, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov.
38. Caridad Caballero Batista, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democrática Oriental. Holguín.
39. Carlos Artiles Pérez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
40. Carlos Cordero Páez, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Movimiento Mario Manuel de la Peña.
41. Carlos Lescalle Silva, Centro de Información Hablemos Press, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciego de Avila.
42. Carlos Luis Pineda Moreno, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma
43. Carlos Manuel Cárdenas González, Centro de Información Hablemos Press, Ciudad de La Habana.
44. Carlos Manuel González Rodríguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
45. Carlos Manuel Hernández Reyes, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Guantánamo.
46. Carlos Michael Morales Rodríguez, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
47. Carlos Palacios González, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín.
48. Carlos Río García, periodista independiente, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos, Pinar del Río.
49. Carlos Zaldívar Palacios, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
50. Carmen Char Faez, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
51. Celestino Hernández Gutiérrez, Movimiento Cívico Nacionalista Cubano, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
52. Celso Peña Velis, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
53. César González Figueredo, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
54. Clara Marta Fonseca Quevedo, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos, Ciudad de La Habana.
55. Cristián Toranzo Fundichely, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia.
56. Damaris Moya Portieles, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
57. Damaris Velázquez Arévalo, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
58. Damián Díaz Nápoles, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
59. Daniel Miguel Benítez Romero, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín
60. Dayamí Ortiz Molina, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
61. Dayamí Romero Ortiz, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
62. Deikel Arias Peña, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
63. Delmides Fidalgo López, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
64. Delvis Martínez Alvides, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
65. Dervis Martínez Alvides, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
66. Diego Sevila Martínez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
67. Diosiris Santana Pérez, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
68. Dixán Saavedra Prats, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Oriental. Holguín.
69. Dixy Carreño Llanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos, Holguín.
70. Donaida Pérez Paseiro, periodista independiente Coalición Central Opositora
71. Doraiza Correoso, Presidio Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Santiago de Cuba.
72. Eddy Rodríguez Cabrejas, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
73. Edelmira del Carmen Quiñones Abraham, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
74. Eisy Marrero Marrero, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Camagüey.
75. Elaine Vargas Betancourt, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
76. Elia Rosa Moreno, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
77. Emerida Hastie Pérez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
78. Emilio Bringas Evora, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Matanzas.
79. Ernesto Borges Pérez, Partido por la Unidad Democrática Cristiana de Cuba, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana.
80. Ernesto Jesús Jácome Hernández, Partido pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana.
81. Ernesto Mederos Arrozarena, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
82. Esperanza de la Paz Sánchez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
83. Esteban Peña Vera, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
84. Esteban Rodríguez Oliva, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
85. Esteban Sander Suárez, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Oriental.
86. Eulicer Serrano Mayo, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín.
87. Eusebio Pereta Godoy, Partido Liberal Cubano.
88. Félix Reyes Gutiérrez, Bibliotecas Independientes, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
89. Fidel de Jesús Novoa Chávez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
90. Francisco Rangel Manzano, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov.
91. Francisco Safúser, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Ciudad de La Habana.
92. Francisco Santiago Guerrero González, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
93. Frank Reyes López, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
94. Froilán Guardado de la Torre, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
95. Gaspar Batista González, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
96. George Perdigón Brito, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Sancti Spiritus.
97. Gerardo Leiva Hidalgo, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
98. Gerardo Páez Díaz, Partido Acción Consultadora Democrática, Provincia Habana.
99. Geraudis Palacio Espósito, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
100. Gertrudis Ojeda Suárez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks. Holguín.
101. Guillermo del Sol Pérez, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
102. Guillermo Fariñas Hernández, Cubanacán Press, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
103. Guillermo Figueredo Rivero, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
104. Guillermo Pérez Yera, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
105. Gustavo Quintana Rodríguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
106. Héctor López Pérez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
107. Heriberto Santorio Leiva, Alianza Democrática Oriental.
108. Higiniio GonzÜlez Rodríguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
109. Hugo Damián Prieto Blanco, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana
110. Idalberto González Gómez, Movimiento Cívico Nacionalista Cubano, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
111. Idalmis Desdín Salgueiro, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks. Holguín.
112. Idalmis Núñez Reinoso, Presidio Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Santiago de Cuba.
113. Idania Yanes Contreras, presidente Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
114. Ilais Menéndez Leánd, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democrática Oriental.
115. Ileana Hermita Rodríguez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
116. Ilsysi Varona Bermúdez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
117. Inés María López Sánchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
118. Inima Marcos Mondeja, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Círculos Municipalistas.
119. Iris Tamara Pérez Aguilera, presidente Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara
120. Isidoro Marrero Fernández, Alianza Democrática Oriental.
121. Ismael Bermúdez Periche, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín
122. Ismael Fernández Pérez, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
123. Izmaris Salomón Carcacés, periodista independiente, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanso, Ciudad de La Habana.
124. Jannis Alibet Marrero Morales, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
125. Janny Morales Hernández, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
126. Jesús Cordero Suárez, Conductores de Bicitaxis, Ciudad de La Habana.
127. Jorge Alberto Rustán Hinojosa, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
128. Jorge Corrales Ceballos, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Guantánamo.
129. Jorge González Vázquez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
130. Jorge Luis García Pérez " Antúnez ", Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
131. Jorge Luis González Rodríguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
132. Jorge Luis Ortiz Tamayo, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
133. Jorge Luis Rivas Marín, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Holguín.
134. Jorge Luis Santiesteban Rodé, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
135. Jorge Toledo Figueroa, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalición Central Opositora.
136. José Avalos Pérez, Director de la Biblioteca Independiente "Henry Reever", Ciudad de La Habana.
137. José Félix Rodríguez Rodríguez, Confederación Obrera Nacional Independiente, Pinar del Río.
138. José Hernández López, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Círculos Democráticos Municipalistas, Matanzas.
139. José Luis Cabrera Cruz, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
140. José Luis Ortiz Tamayo, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Oriental. Holguín.
141. José Marino Ortiz Molina, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Oriental. Holguín.
142. José Páez Fuentes, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
143. José Verdecia Díaz, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
144. Juan Alberto de la Nuez Ramírez, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Cienfuegos.
145. Juan Carlos González Leiva, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana.
146. Juan de Dios Medina Vázquez, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalición Central Opositora.
147. Juan Luis Rodríguez Desdín, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Oriental. Holguín.
148. Juan Miguel Escalona Grass, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
149. Juan Miguel González Marrero, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov.
150. Juan Miguel Martorell Leiva, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
151. Juan Oriol Verdecia Evora, Partido pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov. Holguín.
152. Juan Rafael Santiesteban Marrero, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
153. Juan Ramón Rivero Despaigne, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba
154. Juan Sacarías Verdecia, Alianza Democrática Oriental.
155. Julián Enrique Martínez Báez, Secretario General del Partido Pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana.
156. Julio Arsemio Zaldívar de la Torre, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
157. Julio Peña Martínez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
158. Julio Romero Muñoz, Movimiento Solidario Expresión Libre, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
159. Julio Sarmiento Pineda, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma.
160. Karel Caballero Pimentel, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
161. Kenia Sánchez Ramayo, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín.
162. Lázara Bárbara Cendiña Recarte, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana
163. Leonardo Fernández Cutiño, Movimiento 10 de diciembre, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
164. Leonardo Morejón Sorra, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
165. Leticia Ramos Herrería, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos, Movimiento Femenino Martha Abreu, Matanzas.
166. Libertad Acosta Díaz, esposa del ex prisionero político y de conciencia Bernardo Arévalo Padrón, Cienfuegos.
167. Liliana Bencomo Menéndez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
168. Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
169. Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín.
170. Lisandra Domíbguez Mora, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
171. Lissete Zamora Carrandi, periodista independiente, Coalición Central Opositora, Villa Clara.
172. Lizardo Vargas González, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
173. Loreto Hernández García, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
174. Luciano Vera Leiva, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
175. Luis González Medina, Partido pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana.
176. Luis Julián Báez Sierra, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma
177. Luis Miguel González Leiva, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalición Central Opositora.
178. Luis Orlando Quintana Rodríguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
179. Luz María Barceló Padrón, Partido pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana.
180. Magaly Norvis Otero Suárez, periodista independiente Agencia ALAS, Ciudad de La Habana.
181. Maikel Verdecia Torres, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
182. Maiky Martorell Mayans, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas.
183. Mailet Sierra Pupo, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín.
184. Maite Verdecia Torres, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel.
185. Manuel González Miranda, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
186. Manuel González Rodríguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
187. Manuel Martínez León, Círculos Democráticos Municipalistas, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín
188. Marcelina Lara Morales, Consejo Nacional por los Derechos Civiles, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
189. Marcos Antonio Fuster Ciguenza, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvens por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba.
190. Marcos Pupo Ramírez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
191. Margarito Broche Espinosa, Consejo de Realtores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Villa Clara.
192. María de la Caridad Noa González, Consejo de Realtores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Villa Clara.
193. María Esther Blanco Aguirre, Dama de Blanco, esposa del prisionero político Próspero Gaínza Agüero, Holguín.
194. María López Báez, Fotoreportera del Centro de Información Hablemos Press, Ciudad de La Habana
195. María Magdalena Moreno Cadenas, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma
196. Mariano Hernández Creag, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
197. Mariano Vera Espinosa, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
198. Mario Camoira Aguilera, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
199. Mario Hechavarría Driggs, periodista independiente, Ciudad de La Habana.
200. Maritza Ross Morrieta, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
201. Marlene Bermúdez Sardiñas, Asamblea para Promover la Sociedad Civil en Cuba, Bibliotecas Independientes, Camagüey
202. Marlon Guillermo Martorell Quiñonez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Holguín.
203. Marta Díaz Rondón, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democrática Oriental. Holguín.
204. Mayelín Méndez Rivas, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
205. Maylín Katiusca Sánchez Ramayo, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
206. Mayra Morejón, Partido por la Unidad Democrática Cristiana de Cuba, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana
207. Melba Santana Ariz, Dama de Blanco, espoas del prisionero político Rodolfo Domínguez Batista, Las Tunas
208. Mercedes Fresneda Castillo, Círculos Democráticos Municipalistas, Partido por la Unidad Democrática Cristiana de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana.
209. Michel Oliva López, Plantados, Coalición Central Opositora.
210. Miguel Angel López Herrera, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
211. Miguel Carmenate Batista, Partido Liberal de Cuba.
212. Miguel López Santos, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País. Ciudad de La Habana.
213. Miguel Martorell Quiñones, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas.
214. Milagros Rondón Leiva, Fraternidad de Ciegos Independientes de Cuba, Ciego de Avila.
215. Mildred Nohemí Sánchez Infante, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Holguín.
216. Milena Rodríguez Pelayo, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
217. Nelson Ramón Peña Camejo, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
218. Néstor Rodríguez Lobaina, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democrática Oriental.
219. Néstor Rodríguez Lobaina, Movjmiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Guantánamo.
220. Niober García Fournier, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
221. Noelia Pedraza Jiménez, Consejo de Realtores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Dama de Blanco, Villa Clara.
222. Norberto Gómez Paz, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
223. Odalina Cruz Ricardo, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
224. Orestes Rodríguez Bustamante, Corriente Martiana, Provincia Habana.
225. Osmani Cobas Rodríguez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
226. Osvaldo Rams de la Cruz, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba
227. Pedro Enrique Martínez Machado, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba.
228. Pedro González Rodríguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
229. Pedro Luis Olivera Martínez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey
230. Pedro Maga Zaldívar, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín.
231. Prudencio Nápoles Hidalgo, Fraternidad de Ciegos Independientes de Cuba, Ciego de Avila.
232. Quirenia Cossío Fonseca, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba.
233. Rafael Meneses Pupo, prisionero político, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel.
234. Rafael Santiesteban Marrero, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
235. Ramón Reyes Orama, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democrática Orienta, Holguín.
236. Ramona Sánchez Ramírez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
237. Raúl Borges Alvares, Partido por la Unidad Democrática Cristiana de Cuba, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana
238. Raúl Hipoli Leiva, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
239. Raúl Hipoli Miranda, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas
240. Raúl Luis García Tirado, Partido Liberal de Cuba.
241. Raúl Luis Risco Pérez, ex prisionero político, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Movimiento Solidario Expresión Libre, Pinar del Río.
242. Raúl Menéndez Martínez, ex prisionero político del Presidio Político Histórico, Villa Clara.
243. Raúl Parada Ramírez, Centro de Información Hablemos Press, Cienfuegos.
244. Reina Luisa Tamayo Dánger, Dama de Blanco, madre del prisionero político Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Holguín.
245. Reinaldo Cabalet Del Risco, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
246. Reinaldo Rivera Fasli, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
247. Reinaldo Villafaña Villavicencio, Movimiento 24 de febrero, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
248. Ricardo González Cendiña, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana
249. Ricardo Pupo Sierra, Plantados, Coalición Central Opositora, Cienfuegos.
250. Roberto de Jesús Guerra Pérez, Centro de Información Hablemos Press, Ciudad de La Habana.
251. Roberto Escalona Blanco, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
252. Roberto Marrero La Rosa, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
253. Roberto Pupo Sierra, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalición Central Opositora.
254. Roberto Yoel Fonseca Rojo, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma
255. Rodolfo Domínguez Batista, prisionero político y de conciencia, Las Tunas.
256. Rodolfo Ramírez Cardoso, Movimiento Línea Pacífica Democrática, Ciudad de La Habana.
257. Rogelio Tavío López, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
258. Rogelio Tavío Ramírez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
259. Rolando Rodríguez Lobaina, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democrático Oriental, Guantánamo.
260. Rosaida Ramírez Matos, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
261. Rosina González Cruz, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
262. Rubén Ignacio Núñez San Miguel, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma
263. Ruperto Pérez Zayas, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
264. Sahilí Navarro Alvarez, Dama de Blanco, hija del prisionero político Félix Navarro Rodríguez, Matanzas
265. Sandra Guerra Pérez, Centro de información Hablemos Press, Provincia Habana.
266. Sandra Rey Moreno, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
267. Santa Lilián Rodríguez Rodríguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Cívica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
268. Santos Alberto Escalona Blanco, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín
269. Segundo Rey Cabrera González, Comité Cubano Pro Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Sancti Spiritus.
270. Solícito Mena Contreras, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
271. Sonia Alvarez Campillo, Dama de Blanco, esposa del prisionero político Félix Navarro Rodríguez, Matanzas
272. Tamara Carmenate Betancourt, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
273. Tania Maseda Guerra, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana.
274. Tatiana Murillo Guerra, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma
275. Tatiana Parra Pérez, Liliana Morfis Núñez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguín
276. Teófilo Alvarez Gil, Círculos Democráticos Municipalistas, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
277. Víctor Kindelán Sánchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Holguín.
278. Virgilio Mantilla Arango, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
279. William Alexis Reyes Mir, prisionero político, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel.
280. William Rodríguez Paredes, Movimiento 24 de febrero, Provincia Habana.
281. Wladimir Aguilera Portelles, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
282. Wladimir Hall de la Torre, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
283. Yaité Dianellis Cruz Sosa, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks.
284. Yamila Sofía Saumell Naranjo, Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País, Manzanillo, Granma
285. Yamisleidy Portilla Olivera, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
286. Yanoski Echevarría Rodríguez, Partido Cubano Demócrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagüeyana de Derechos Humanos, Camagüey.
287. Yoan Alexis Mir Torres, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguín.
288. Yoan Alexis Mis Torres, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundación Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democrática Oriental, Holguín.
289. Yoandri Naoski Ricardo Mir, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel. Holguín.
290. Yoandris Beltrán Gamboa, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Guantánamo.
291. Yoandris Durán Sánchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Holguín.
292. Yordán Velázquez Rodríguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
293. Yorkis Rodríguez Domínguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín.
294. Yorledis Duvalón Guivert Ortiz, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba
295. Yudalmis Fernández Martínez, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Círculos Democráticos Municipalistas, Matanzas.
296. Yudelmis Fonseca Rondón, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks. Holguín.
297. Yudisleidis Saavedra Sánchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Holguín.
298. Yumisleidy Fonseca Rondón, Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguín.
299. Yunieski García López, Presidio Político Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalición Central Opositora. Villa Clara.
300. Yurisander Gómez Hernández, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguín

CUBA; INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON

(Vea el artículo en español abajo)

Committee to Protect Journalists
330 Seventh Avenue,

New York, NY 10001 USA

Phone: (212) 465­1004

Fax: (212) 465­9568

Web: http://www.cpj.org/

E-Mail: media@cpj.org
Contacts: Carlos Lauría, senior program coordinator

Phone: (212) 465-9344, x120;

E-mail: blocked::blocked::blocked::mailto:clauria@cpj.org
María Salazar, senior researcher

Phone: (212) 465-9344, x118;

E-mail: msalazar@cpj.org

New York, May 14, 2009—A Cuban independent journalist was sentenced during a summary trial on Tuesday to three years in prison on charges of “disrespect,” journalists in Havana told the Committee to Protect Journalists today.

According to the foreign-based Cuban news Web site Cubamatinal, Albert Santiago Du Bouchet Hernández, director of the Havana-based independent news agency Habana Press was also charged with distributing enemy propaganda, although CPJ could not confirm the charge or whether he was convicted of it. Elizardo Sánchez Santa Cruz, president of the Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation in Havana, told CPJ that the journalist was not allowed a defense lawyer but has already appealed his sentence. The appeal is pending.

Officers arrested Du Bouchet Hernández on the afternoon of April 18 while he was visiting relatives in Artemisa, 38 miles (60 kilometers) from Havana, according to CPJ interviews and foreign-based Cuban news Web sites. The police claimed Du Bouchet Hernández was shouting anti-government slogans in the street, Sánchez Santa Cruz told CPJ. His family has been unable to see him since his arrest, according to Cubamatinal.

Miriam Herrera, an independent journalist based in Havana who has spoken to Du Bouchet Hernández since he’s been jailed, said she believed he was imprisoned in reprisal for his work. Herrera told CPJ that Du Bouchet Hernández had recently reported on social issues. Sánchez Santa Cruz said the circumstances behind the arrest remained unclear.

“Albert Santiago Du Bouchet Hernández has been tried and convicted on charges that have not been made public and without legal representation,” CPJ Senior Program Coordinator Carlos Lauría said. “We call on the Cuban authorities to follow due process and allow Du Bouchet Hernández access to a lawyer. He now joins 21 other independent journalists currently jailed under bogus charges as retaliation for their reporting.”

Du Bouchet Hernández had previously been jailed on “disrespect” charges. He was detained in August 2005 while on a reporting trip to Artemisa. He was summarily tried and sentenced to one year in prison; he did not have access to a lawyer before or during the trial. The journalist had drawn the ire of authorities a few months earlier, when he covered the congress of the Assembly to Promote Civil Society. The two-day gathering, unprecedented in Cuba, brought together 200 opposition activists and guests in May 2005 to discuss ways to create democracy in Cuba. Du Bouchet Hernández was released in August 2006 after completing his sentence.

Twenty-one independent reporters and editors are currently jailed in Cuba, which is the second-worst jailer of journalists in the world after China. Twenty of them have been held in inhumane conditions since the massive March 2003 crackdown on Cuba’s dissidents and independent press. CPJ recently ranked the island as the fourth-worst country in the world to be a blogger in a recent report.

CPJ is a New York-based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom around the world.
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CUBA: Periodista independiente sentenciado a tres años de cárcel

Nueva York, 14 de mayo de 2009—Un periodista independiente cubano acusado de desacato fue sentenciado a tres años de cárcel durante un juicio sumario el martes, periodistas en La Habana indicaron hoy al Comité para la Protección de los Periodistas (CPJ, por sus siglas en inglés).

Según el sitio Web de noticias cubano radicado en el exterior Cubamatinal, Santiago Du Bouchet Hernández, director de la agencia de prensa independiente Habana Press radicada en La Habana, también fue acusado de distribuir propaganda enemiga, aunque el CPJ no pudo confirmar este cargo ni si hubo una condena por el mismo. Elizardo Sánchez Santa Cruz, presidente de la Comisión Cubana de Derechos Humanos y Reconciliación Nacional en La Habana, señaló al CPJ que al periodista no se le había permitido consultar a un abogado defensor aunque ya apeló su sentencia. La apelación está pendiente.

Policías arrestaron a Du Bouchet Hernández en la tarde del 18 de abril cuando visitaba a familiares en Artemisa, a 38 millas (60 kilómetros) de La Habana, según entrevistas del CPJ y sitios Web de noticias radicados en el exterior. La policía alega que Du Bouchet Hernández estaba gritando frases antigubernamentales en la calle, Sánchez Santa Cruz indicó al CPJ. A su familia no se le ha permitido visitarlo desde que fue arrestado, informó Cubamatinal.

Miriam Herrera, una periodista independiente radicada en La Habana quien ha hablado con Du Bouchet Hernández desde su arresto, dijo creer que el reportero fue encarcelado en represalia por su trabajo. Herrera indicó al CPJ que Du Bouchet Hernández había publicado crónicas sociales recientemente. Según Sánchez Santa Cruz, las circunstancias del arresto no quedan claras.

“Albert Santiago Du Bouchet Hernández fue enjuiciado y condenado bajo acusaciones que no se han hecho públicas y sin representación legal”, señaló el Coordinador Senior del programa de las Américas del CPJ, Carlos Lauría. “Instamos a las autoridades cubanas a cumplir con el debido proceso y permitir que Du Bouchet tenga acceso a un abogado. El periodista se suma a otros 21 reporteros independientes que están encarcelados bajo cargos falsos en represalia a su labor informativa”.

Du Bouchet Hernández había sido previamente encarcelado acusado de desacato. Fue detenido en agosto de 2005 cuando estaba en la ciudad de Artemisa en un viaje de trabajo. Fue enjuiciado sumariamente y sentenciado a un año de prisión; no tuvo acceso a un abogado antes o durante el juicio. El periodista había provocado la ira de las autoridades unos meses antes, cuando cubrió la Asamblea para Promover la Sociedad Civil. El encuentro de dos días, sin precedentes en Cuba, reunió a más de 200 activistas de la oposición e invitados en mayo de 2005 para discutir formas de promover la democracia en Cuba. Du Bouchet Hernández fue liberado en agosto de 2006 dedspués de cumplir su condena.

Un total de 21 periodistas y editores se encuentran actualmente presos en Cuba, que es el segundo país con mayor número de periodistas encarcelados en el mundo. Veinte del total permanecen presos en condiciones inhumanas desde la masiva embestida contra la disidencia y la prensa independiente en marzo de 2003. El CPJ ha ubicado a Cuba como el cuarto peor país para trabajar como bloguero den un informe publicado recientemente.

El CPJ es una organización independiente sin ánimo de lucro radicada en Nueva York, y se dedica a defender la libertad de prensa en todo el mundo.

María Salazar Ferro
Senior Research Associate, The Americas
Investigadora senior asociada, Las Américas
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
330 Seventh Avenue, 11 Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
Telephone 212.465.1004 x118, Fax 212.465.8568
msalazar@cpj.org

CPJ is a New York-based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.cpj.org/.

El Comité para la Protección de los Periodistas (CPJ, por sus siglas en inglés) es una organización independiente y sin ánimo de lucro que trabaja para proteger la libertad de prensa en el mundo.

Para más información, visite nuestro sitio Web: http://www.cpj.org/.

SOS POR JUAN CARLOS GONZALEX LEIVA Y SERGIO DIAZ LARRASTEGUI - COMMUNICADORES INVIDENTES EN CUBA VICTIMAS DE REPRESION

Por: Roberto de Jesús Guerra Pérez, Periodista Independiente, Director del Centro de Información Hablemos Press (CIHPRESS) y Vice-presidente primero del Consejo de Relatores de D.H en Cuba. robersm2007@gmail.com

La Habana, Cuba- El Departamento de la Seguridad del Estado (DSE) continúa acosando a Sergio Díaz Larrastegui, invidente y profesor de ingles, el cual fue expulsado en enero pasado de su centro de trabajo por tener en su domicilio el Centro de Información del Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba (CRDHC), y hospedar a Juan Carlos González Leiva (abogado invidente) y a Tania Maceda Guerra, estos últimos periodista independientes del Centro de Información.

Sergio Díaz ampara en su domicilio a Juan Carlos González Leiva (abogado invidente) y a Tania Maceda Guerra. Por hospedar a los comunicadores en su casa y tener el Centro de Información, es que se ha desatado la represión contra ellos.

En el Centro de Información del Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba (CRDHC), sito en el domicilio de Sergio Díaz, ubicado en la calle Mayia Rodríguez entre Carmen y Patrocinio, La Víbora fue donde se elaboró un informe que fue puesto el 6 de enero en Naciones Unidas.

“Desde que ese informe fue puesto en manos de funcionarios en Naciones Unidas y publicado en el Examen Periódico Universal, la represión se ha recrudeció contra todos los que de una forma u otra colaboraron”, declaro a este periodista, Juan Carlos González Leiva, el cual ocupa también el cargo de Secretario General del CRDHC.

Juan Carlos dijo “que para el día 13 de mayo están citados Tania Maceda Guerra, Sergio Díaz Larrastegui y el, a comparecer ante un oficial de DSE y de la Policía Nacional en la unidad policial, sito en las calles Municipio y Atare, Lúyanos, municipio 10 de Octubre y de hecho amenazados con imponerle una multa de 4, 500 pesos por encontrarse ilegal en la capital cubana y la exigencia de que deben retornar a su provincia de origen, Ciego de Ávila.

El abogado invidente declaro que el pasado viernes Sergio Díaz, invidente, fue obligado a salir solo sin protección a la calle y comparecer ante un capitán en la unidad policial mencionada el cual lo amenazó con sacarlo arrastras de su vivienda por negarse a asistir a la cita. En dicha unidad fue interrogado y torturado por agentes del DSE y la PNR que lo dejaron por más de dos horas solo en un cuarto de interrogatorio a pesar de ser invidente y padecer de diabetes insípida.
El DSE pretende dejar solo a Díaz Larrastegui en su vivienda y obligarnos a nosotros a irnos de ellas, para ponerlo a trabajar con las organizaciones de masa oficiales. Toda la represión contra Larrastegui viene después que este se negó a colaborar y permitir que agentes del DSE pusieran cámaras y micrófonos en su domicilio para espiar, y expulsarnos de La Habana por los reportes de la situación de violaciones a los derechos humanos en la isla que comunicamos contantemente, concluyo en sus declaraciones Juan Carlos González.

El CIHPRESS envía ante las organizaciones que defiende la libertad de expresión en el mundo, un SOS por los comunicadores y pide a países democráticos, principalmente aquellos que defienden al régimen de La Habana de que exija al gobierno el cese de la represión contra quienes comunican sobre sucesos que la prensa oficial o a conocer.

CUBA: INFORME ANUAL DE LA COMISION INTERAMERCANA DE DDHH / 2008 // INTERAMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS - 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

CUBA: Informe anual de la Comision Interamericana de DDHH / 2008
http://www.cidh.org/annualrep/2008sp/cap4.Cuba.sp.htm



CUBA: Intramerican Commission on Human Rights - 2008 Annual Report
http://www.cidh.org/annualrep/2008eng/Chap4.c.eng.htm

REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS: WORLD REPORT 2009 -CUBA / REPORTEROS SIN FRONTERAS: INFORME MUNDIAL 2009 - CUBA

Cuba - World Report 2009
169 out of 173 in the latest worldwide index
Area: 110,860 sq. km
Population: 11,267,000
Language: Spanish
Head of state: Raul Castro since February 2008

Cuba is the sole country on the American continent not to tolerate an independent press. The country is still ranked as the world’s second biggest prison for journalists with 23 of them in jail. There have been a few cautious changes since Raul Castro took power.

Cuba is the only country on the American continent that does not tolerate an independent press outside the tight control of the state. The official media (one television station, one radio, two daily newspapers - Granma and Juventud Rebelde - and their local offices) have the job of relaying official propaganda. Only a few Catholic magazines are permitted.

Dissident journalists therefore all work secretly and are forced to publish with external help, in particular through websites run by the Cuban diaspora in Miami, what they cannot publish to their fellow citizens on the island.

Cuba remains, after China, the world’s second biggest prison for journalists, since the “black spring” of March 2003. Nineteen of the 27 journalists arrested at the time remain behind bars, including the Reporters Without Borders’ correspondent, Ricardo Gonzalez Alfonso.

Another journalist was sentenced in 2005 to seven years in prison while three others were handed down sentences of three to four years for a “tendency to social dangerousness” after the interim presidency Raul Castro from 31 July 2006, before he officially succeeded his brother, on 24 February 2008.

Harassment of dissidents continues, even if the new government has given a few cautious signs of openness. Four days after the inauguration of Raul Castro on 27 February 2008, Cuba signed - without ratifying them - two UN human rights pacts (one on financial, social and cultural rights and the other on civil and political rights).

Cubans on 24 February had a ban lifted on using major hotels with better Internet connections and on buying individual computer equipment. Mobile phones were also legalised. Four dissidents arrested during “black spring”, including journalist Alejandro Gonzalez Raga, were released on 15 February 2008, after mediation by the Spanish government which also gave them the right to relocate to the country.

Use of the Internet remains under close control, even if connection problems are also due to the restrictions imposed under the US embargo that has been in force since 1962.
_____________________________________________________

Cuba 1ro.05.2009
Cuba - Informe Mundial 2009

169 entre 173 en la última clasificación mundial
Superficie: 110.860 km2
Población: 11.267.000
Idioma: español
Jefe del Estado: Raúl Castro (desde febrero del 2008)

Cuba es el único país del continente americano que no tolera la prensa independiente. La isla sigue ostentado el rango de segunda cárcel del mundo para los periodistas, con 23 encarcelados. Los cambios observados desde el acceso al poder de Raúl Castro siguen siendo muy tímidos.

Cuba es el único país del continente americano que no tolera la prensa independiente fuera del estricto control del Estado. Los medios de comunicación oficiales (una televisión, una radio, dos diarios - Granma y Juventud Rebelde - y sus declinaciones locales) sirven ante todo para reproducir la propaganda del régimen. Solo se toleran unas pocas revistas católicas.

Por eso, los periodistas disidentes trabajan en la clandestinidad y se ven obligados a publicar lo que no pueden contar a sus conciudadanos de la isla en soportes externos, en particular en sitios de la diáspora cubana de Miami. Cuba sigue ostentando el rango de ser, desde la “Primavera negra” de marzo de 2003, la segunda cárcel del mundo para los periodistas, después de China.

Diecinueve de los veintisiete periodistas detenidos entonces se encuentran todavía entre rejas, y entre ellos Ricardo González Alfonso, el corresponsal de Reporteros sin Fronteras. Después de que, el 31 de julio de 2006, Raúl Castro asumiera la presidencia de transición, antes de suceder oficialmente a su hermano el 24 de febrero de 2008, a otro periodista le condenaron en 2005 a siete años de cárcel; y a tres más a penas de tres y cuatro años por “peligrosidad social predelictiva”.

Se mantiene el acoso a la disidencia a pesar de que el nuevo poder ha efectuado algunos tímidos gestos de apertura. Cuatro días después de la entronización de Raúl Castro, el 27 de febrero de 2008, Cuba firmó -sin ratificarlos- los dos Pactos de Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas (uno relativos a los derechos económicos, sociales y culturales, y el otro referido a los derechos civiles y políticos).

El 24 de febrero se levantó la prohibición que tenían los cubanos de acudir a los grandes hoteles, dotados de mejor conexión a Internet, se autorizó la adquisición de material informático personal y se legalizó el uso del teléfono móvil. El 15 de febrero de 2008 salieron en libertad, gracias a la mediación del gobierno español que por otra parte les acogió en su suelo, cuatro disidentes detenidos durante la “Primavera negra”, y entre ellos el periodista Alejandro González Raga.

Finalmente, el uso de Internet sigue manteniéndose estrechamente controlado, a pesar de que las dificultades de conexión son también producto de las restricciones impuestas por el embargo norteamericano, en vigor desde 1962.

Reporteros sin Fronteras defiende a los periodistas encarcelados y a la libertad de prensa en el mundo. La organización cuenta con nueve secciones nacionales (Alemania, Austria, Bélgica, Canadá, España, Francia, Italia, Suecia y Suiza), representaciones en Bangkok, Londres, Nueva York, Tokio y Washington, y más de 120 corresponsales en el mundo.

© Reporteros sin fronteras 2009
© Reporteros sin fronteras - 47, rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris - Francia

DECLARACION DE ACTIVISTAS EN AYUNO DESDE PLACETAS ANTE LAS DECLARACIONES DE RAUL CASTRO

COMUNICADO

Declaración de activistas en ayuno desde Placetas ante las declaraciones de Raúl Castro

Placetas. 1 de mayo de 2009.

Las recientes declaraciones del gobernante Raúl Castro al movimiento de países no alineados, en las que dejó claro la negativa de su gobierno a dar el más mínimo espacio en respuesta a las medidas implementadas por el gobierno de Barack Obama, expresan una clara y abierta fidelidad a su vocación anti democrática y dictatorial. Lo que evidencia que, con sistemas como el que impera en Cuba es contra producente toda política de dialogo y acercamiento. Las palabras del mandatario interino son una respuesta a quienes esperaban reciprocidad de La Habana a las políticas flexibles implementadas desde Washington. Ante la falta de voluntad aperturista del gobierno castrista, los ayunantes de Placetas reafirmamos nuestra posición de oponernos a iniciativas que le den oxígeno al régimen y su aparato represivo, y alertamos del peligro que representan para la causa de la libertad de Cuba las políticas reconciliadoras y de concesiones con la dictadura castrista.

Firmantes:

Diosiris Santana Pérez

Ernesto Mederos Arrozarena

Iris Pérez Aguilera

Carlos Miguel López Santos

Yoandry Naoski Ricardo Mir

Carlos Michael Morales Rodríguez

Jorge Luis García Pérez Antúnez

MENENDEZ: DON'T START DOWN A SLIPPERY SLOPE

Posted: 30 Apr 2009 09:56 AM PDT Source: http://www.capitolhillcubans.com/

Remarks by Senator Menendez in the U.S. Senate on the Recent Comments of the Castro Brothers

Two weeks ago, the democratically-elected leaders of the Western Hemisphere met for the Summit of the Americas. The Castro regime in Cuba was not invited, because it has violated the democratic charter of the Organization of American States for the last 5 decades.

At the same time as that meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, Raul Castro gave a speech in Venezuela. He said he would be willing to negotiate with the United States, and put everything on the table. Many considered this "news."

Well let me tell you, those comments aren't news to anyone who has followed the rhetoric of the regime over the decades. The Castros have made promise after promise—and none of their promises have resulted in substantial change on the island— none of their promises have resulted in the release of the labor leaders, journalists or clergymen jailed for no crime other than speaking their minds, the end of the network of government spies on every block, or the granting of basic human rights that we in the United States take for granted.

None of their promises have resulted in economic freedom for the millions of Cubans who try to get by on less than a dollar a day. And so it was hardly news that not long after Raul Castro spoke, his older brother Fidel made comments clarifying that nothing would change, and blaming all conditions in Cuba on the United States. He said President Obama acted with "autosuficiencia" y "superficialidad"—he called him conceited and superficial.

I am surprised that Secretary Clinton would jump so fast to consider that good news. While Raul Castro spoke at a meeting in Venezuela, there was another gathering going on in Cuba. It was a gathering of state security agents and secret police, outside the home of Jorge Luis García Pérez, known as "Antúnez."

With tremendous courage, Antúnez began a hunger strike to protest the oppressive Castro regime. In response, agents descended on the house last March 17th. According to Amnesty International, they have orders to use force against and arrest anyone to prevent them from entering the house—including anyone who could provide medical treatment.

Antúnez and three other Cubans have vowed to continue their protest until the torture of political prisoner Mario Alberto Perez Aguilera, held at the Santa Clara Provincial Prison, ceases immediately. They will continue their protest until he is taken out of a tiny solitary confinement cell, until he is no longer beaten and forced to starve, until the regime allows Antunez' sister Caridad Garcia Perez to rebuild her home destroyed by the hurricanes last year, which they have not allowed as further punishment to these activists.

From his house in Placetas, Cuba, Antúnez wrote me a letter on April 13. Here's an excerpt, in Spanish:

"Compatriotas a nombre de nuestro pueblo cubano persistan en sus nobles y sinceros esfuerzos, sepan que para los cubanos la libertad, la dignidad y el respeto a los derechos humanos tienen mucho más permanencia e importancia que las ventajas económicas que puedan traer los viajes de turismo y las llegadas de insumos que financiarían más que al pueblo a la cruel tiranía que nos oprime."

He said: "Those who continue their noble and sincere efforts on behalf of the Cuban people, please know, that for Cubans, liberty, dignity and respect for human rights are much more permanent and important than the economic advantages that might come with visiting tourists and the arrival of products—which will benefit the cruel tyranny that oppresses us more than the Cuban people."

That's the kind of courage that can break a dictatorship. That's the kind of courage we should support. And that's the kind of person whose advice we should heed—the human rights activist, the Cuban who sacrifices day and night in a peaceful struggle for freedom—these are the voices we should listen to when we're making our policy toward the Castro regime.

Some like to cling to a romantic notion of the Castros, but we cannot lose sight of these brutal facts. There is no indication that political prisoners are being released, free speech is being allowed or Cubans are being granted basic liberties that we take for granted.

For the Organization of American States to readmit a regime that engages in this type of systematic suppression of human rights, it would have to rip up its Inter-American Democratic Charter as a farce. It would have to ignore Article 78 of the declaration of the summit in Trinidad and Tobago, reaffirming, quote, "the legitimacy of electoral processes and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms."

And it would be sending a clear signal to other countries moving in the wrong direction, away from democracy, that it is perfectly okay to do so. In respect to the very complicated choices we have on Cuba policy, President Obama has proven himself a man of action. I support his allowing Cuban-Americans more opportunities to travel to Cuba, because I think families should have the chance to be reunited.

On the other hand, and although I support finding ways to improve the financial situation of the Cuban people—and let's remember, through individuals and aid groups, the United States is the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to the people of Cuba in the world—I think allowing unlimited remittances was not the right move, when the Castro regime still takes for itself up to 30% of all the money sent.

The Administration also announced changes regarding telecommunications policy. Let me be clear: in spite of the fact that the regime has rejected such gestures in the past, I hope that it will now allow U.S. telecommunications companies to increase the flow of information to and from the island.

That said, we need to be sure to prevent a repeat of what happened in China, where U.S. telecommunications firms helped the Chinese government monitor internet users and control content. U.S. companies cannot and should not censor internet searches and block websites at the request of the regime.

But mainly what we've learned from these good-faith actions on the part of the United States is that they have not resulted in any change of behavior from the regime in Cuba. We have traded concessions and gotten only rhetoric in return. We have extended our hand, while the Cuban regime maintains its iron-handed clenched fist. We cannot allow ourselves to start down a slippery slope of relaxing restrictions, that only winds up allowing the Castro regime to strengthen the iron fist by which it rules.

The press is reporting that the State Department is looking to hold talks on migration and counternarcotics with the Castro regime. These are serious issues. But without seeing any progress whatsoever on the part of the regime, it's hard to see why we should be looking for more opportunities to make additional concessions.

It's hard to see why we should believe whatever promises the regime might make. And it's hard to see why we should cooperate on migration or counternarcotics with a Cuban navy whose main mission is patrolling for and sinking ships carrying its own fleeing citizens.

If we open up discussions now, we are essentially giving the regime a pass on progress and taking the focus OFF of where President Obama rightly put it – freedom on the island, freedom for political prisoners, freedom from seizures of a huge percentage of remittances sent to the Cuban people.

So, this is exactly the wrong time to start these conversations and starting them would be in direct contradiction to the White House's own statements, as recently as April 17th, that put the burden where it should be - on the Castro regime. After 50 years of brutality, we need actions, not words, on the part of the Castro Regime. Mere words won't erase the lack of dignity that Antúnez is protesting with a hunger strike.

Words won't stop people like Oscar Elías Biscet from being thrown into prison for refusing to give women a drug that caused abortions— words won't finally allow Oswaldo Payá to see the free elections he's worked for and marched for and gone to jail for.

Last week I heard some of my colleagues speak about human rights abuses in China. I think they were absolutely right to highlight those abuses. But I think we should be no less concerned with prison camps in China than prison camps in Cuba, no less concerned with Tiananmen Square than with the Primavera Negra crackdown, no less appalled at child labor in Beijing than in Havana.

And by now we should be convinced that economic interaction in the face of an authoritarian government will not end Cuba's human rights abuses, just as it has not ended abuses in China.

Another of one my colleagues pointed out the peaceful revolutions that ended communism in Eastern Europe, including in places like Lithuania. I share my colleague's deep respect for those revolutions. And I think it's worth pointing out that when they took place, there was international support and recognition not primarily for the businesses who wanted to open those countries up for financial gain, but for the democracy activists within those countries who risked their lives to bring change.

There is simply no excuse for the Cuban regime's behavior. Forgiving it and forgetting it is not the answer. If we want to change the way we conduct our policy, there are many things we can do to weaken the Castro regime, and hasten the day when the Cuban people can be free.

Let us have the U.S. offer more visitor and student visas for eligible Cubans to come to the U.S., to see and live our way of life. Having Americans travel to Cuba could never be as powerful as having Cuban youth see the greatness of our country, and its pluralistic, diverse, representative democracy. That taste of freedom would be infectious.

In return we simply seek a commitment from Cuba to accept their citizens' return, and to guarantee the issuance of exit permits for all qualified migrants. Cuba is one of the few countries in the world that will not permit its citizens to travel even when they have a legitimate visa to do so. And, when they give them license to leave, they must pay the regime in order to do so.

I find it ironic that when people mention the U.S. embargo, they fail to mention the Castros' blockade on their own people—a blockade that keeps Cubans not only from leaving Cuba, but from moving freely within their own country.

If we want to facilitate the sales of food to Cuba, let us insist that they be sold in open markets, available to all Cubans, without it being part of Castro's food rationing plan, a plan meant to further control the Cuban people.

In exchange for cooperation with Cuba on narcotics trafficking, let them hand over the 200 fugitives the FBI knows are in Cuba, including JoAnne Chesimard, the convicted killer of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster.

And in exchange for freeing commerce, let the Castros free the political prisoners they hold and allow them to speak freely, organize freely, elect their own leadership and freely practice their religion on Cuban soil.

I hope we're not so blinded by the color of money that we forget how important it is for the Castros to close their dungeons and let the light of freedom shine down on everyone who calls the island home. President Obama, who saw repression in Indonesia when he was a child, promised us this: He said, quote, "My policy toward Cuba will be guided by one word: Libertad. And the road to freedom for all Cubans must begin with justice for Cuba's political prisoners, the rights of free speech, a free press and freedom of assembly; and it must lead to elections that are free and fair."[1] End quote.

For 50 years, the regime has been a social, economic and moral failure. It has succeeded merely at staying in power. Today, after the regime has offered few new words and fewer new actions, we can choose to change how we feel about the regime, or we can try to change the way it oppresses its people.

That's our choice. We can choose amnesia or we can choose justice. We can choose strong words or we can choose strong actions. We can choose giving in to the commercial interests of a few, or we can choose holding on to the moral interests that unite us all.