Posted
March 18th, 2010
by
Today marks the anniversary of the ‘Black Spring’ crackdown on alleged dissidents in Cuba, when 35 journalists, writers and librarians were arrested as ‘agents of the American enemy’. One-day hearings were held behind closed doors, with the accused denied time to put together cogent defences, and they received prison sentences ranging from 14 to 27 years. Seven years later, 22 of them are still in prison.
To mark the anniversary, English PEN is urging the Cuban state to honour the commitments undertaken when it signed the ICCPR and the ICESCR by immediately and unconditionally releasing all writers imprisoned in violation of their rights and ceasing to harass those who remain at liberty. We are also calling on the Cuban government to ratify both the ICCPR and the ICESCR without reservations and to introduce all legislative and judicial reforms necessary for implementation as a matter of urgency. Please join PEN in saying seven years is enough.
Background
In February 2008, the international community applauded when Cuba finally signed two key international human rights conventions which explicitly guarantee the right to freedom of expression and association, to earn a living by the profession of one’s choosing, to health and to freedom from torture and ill treatment, among others. The signing of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) followed hard on the heels of Fidel Castro’s resignation from office and the surprise release from prison of three independent journalists and librarians. There were hopes that change was coming.
A year later, when Cuba’s human rights record came under scrutiny by the United Nations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for the first time in February 2009, the Cuban Justice Minister stated that freedom of opinion, expression, information and of the press is recognised for all Cuban citizens. She also said that there are no prisoners of conscience in Cuba and that no one is harassed, detained or punished for exercising, enjoying or defending human rights.
Yet at that time there were at least 25 writers, journalists and librarians in prison on the island in apparent violation of rights guaranteed under the ICCPR and the ICESCR, serving prison sentences of up to 27 years on anti-state or ‘social dangerousness’ charges. Today there are 26 writers in prison. Those who remain at liberty are frequently harassed by government agents in relation to their work: for example, on 6 November 2009, three internet writers were reportedly abducted and assaulted while on their way to a peaceful demonstration in Havana.
The Justice Minister also said last year that the Cuban prison system complies with the UN Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and that every prison inmate is guaranteed medical treatment. But the reality is that the majority of the 26 imprisoned writers are reportedly suffering from health complaints caused or exacerbated by the harsh conditions and treatment they are exposed to in prison and, despite this, access to adequate medical treatment is often limited.
TAKE ACTION
Please send appeals:
- Urging the Cuban state to honour the commitments undertaken when it signed the ICCPR and the ICESCR by immediately and unconditionally releasing all writers imprisoned in violation of their rights and ceasing to harass those who remain at liberty;
- Urging the Cuban government to ratify both the ICCPR and the ICESCR without reservations and to introduce all legislative and judicial reforms necessary for implementation as a matter of urgency.
Appeals to:
Head of State and Government
Raúl Castro Ruz
Presidente
La Habana, Cuba
Fax: 53 7 8333085 (via Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
1 2127791697 (via Cuban Mission to UN)
Email: cuba@un.int (c/o Cuban Mission to UN)
Salutation: Su Excelencia/Your Excellency
Interior Minister
General Abelardo Coloma Ibarra
Ministro del Interior y Prisiones
Ministerio del Interior, Plaza de la Revolución, La Habana, Cuba
Fax: 53 7 8333085 (via Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
1 2127791697 (via Cuban Mission to UN)
Salutation: Señor Ministro / Dear Minister
We recommend that you send copies of your appeal letters to the Cuban Embassy in London:
His Excellency Renee Juan Mujica Cantelar
Cuban Embassy
167 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6PA
Email:embacuba@cubaldn.com
Fax: 020 7836 2602
** Please let us know if you send an appeal, and certainly if you receive a response from the Cuban authorities, by emailing writersinprison@englishpen.org ***
Originally posted with the url: www.englishpen.org/writersinprison/bulletins/cubaseventhanniversaryoftheblackspringcrackdown/
