Greetings to ISHR for 30 years Human Rights Work for Cuba

En nombre del Comité Cubano para los Derechos Humanos y en el mío propio doy las gracias a la IGFM por el trabajo realizado por sus activistas en pro de la democracia en Cuba y especialmente por la lucha de los presos políticos en Cuba.

El trabajo de estos hombres y mujeres de buena voluntad han logrado dar a conocer en el mundo la verdad sobre la situación de los presos políticos en Cuba. Durante los 30 años de activismo de la IGFM se logro la libertad de decenas de presos políticos de los cuales quisiera recordar aquellos amigos y compañeros de cautiverio que ya no están con nosotros, en nombre de ellos doy las gracias también a la IGFM:

Sebastián Arcos Bergnes, amigo que murió a causa de las torturas sufridas en las Ergástulas castristas, Mario Chanez de Armas legendario combatiente por la libertad de Cuba quien murió sin poder ver la democracia en nuestra amada Isla. Eddy Lopez un gran hombre que trabajo por los derechos humanos de los presos cubanos. Mi compañero y amigo Gustavo Arcos Bergnes, incansable luchador por la democracia en Cuba y el respeto a los derechos humanos.

En mi carácter personal quiero agradecer a tres personas de la IGFM que me ayudaron cuando salí de Cuba con mi esposa Yolanda, ambos estábamos enfermos, solos, y yo acababa de salir de la cárcel y tenia miedo del futuro, cuando viaje a Alemania no sabia que iba hacer o a donde iba a ir. Gracias a Dios me encontré con los activistas de la IGFM hace mas de veinte años hoy los considero mis amigos a quienes no tengo como agradecer por su bondad y cariño. Siempre están en nuestro corazón: Dr. Knauck mil gracias; Mr. Karl Hafen mil gracias y a mi querido Sr. Agrusso siempre lo recuerdo con cariño.

La IGFM tiene activistas a quienes agradecemos su trabajo eficaz y su voz de aliento para los presos políticos: Sr.Wilhelm Ludwig y Sr. Breshener muchas gracias.

Le agradezco al Sr. Martin Lessentin su dedicación por la libertad de Cuba, por la lucha por los presos políticos y por esas efectivas campañas en contra de la dictadura de Castro.

Gracias a todos los activistas de la IGFM por su apoyo, dedicacion por ayudar a mis compatriotas dentro y fuera de Cuba. Que Dios los bendiga.

Ricardo Bofill

 

Dear Friends of l.S.H.R:

As President of M.A.R. Por Cuba (Mothers & Women against Repression), I take this opportunity to extend our profound gratitude on this commemoration of the 30 anniversary of I.S.H.R/s extraordinary efforts on behalf of Cuban political prisoners.

Your commitment to the plight of those in the island who are incarcerated for daring to speak, to think, to write and to dream of a free, independent and democratic Cuba is commendable and has never wavered throughout all these years.

Your continued support is evidenced by your numerous public opinion campaigns. press Conferences, publications and exhibits which depict the systematic violations of Cuban political prisoners' fundamental rights and freedoms and the infra human conditions to which they are subjected under a brutal totalitarian regime that has ruled Cuba for almost half a Century.

It has been an honor for us to collaborate with you. Rest assured that we will never forget your solidarity and all you are doing to expose the critical Situation of Cuban political prisoners and to help bring about democratic change in Cuba.

Thank-you!
M.A.R. POR CUBA

Sylvia Iriondo
President

CARTA DEL DEFENSOR DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS, JUAN CARLOS GONZÁLEZ LEIVA, A LA SOCIEDAD INTERNACIONAL POR LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS EN ALEMANIA EN SU 30 ANIVERSARIO DEFENDIENDO LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS EN CUBA

Mi nombre es Juan Carlos González Leiva, soy el presidente de la Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos. Le doy gracias a Dios porque en el mundo existen instituciones tan importantes para la sociedad humana como la Sociedad Internacional para los Derechos Humanos en Alemania. Para mí ha sido muy importante las gestiones de ayuda que nos han brindado a nuestro trabajo en defensa de los derechos humanos y las libertades públicas en nuestro país.

Si hoy puedo estar hablando a través de este teléfono y puedo enviar este mensaje y no estoy aún peor, encerrado en muy difíciles condiciones en las horrendas cárceles del gobierno cubano es gracias a las instituciones como la SIDH en Alemania por las gestiones que hacen en los organismos internacionales y a través de todo el mundo para que se conozca la situación real en que sobrevivimos los disidentes, activistas de derechos humanos, periodistas independientes y prisioneros políticos y de conciencia en Cuba.

A pesar de las gestiones de instituciones tan nobles y maravillosas en el mundo como la SIDH de Alemania, Amnistía Internacional y otras, y la gestión noble de los gobiernos democráticos  mundo la situación en Cuba ha empeorado y se ha puesto mucho más difícil a partir del 31 de Julio de 2006, en que oficialmente gobierna el hermano de Fidel Castro, el presidente interino Raúl Castro. En éstos momentos ?la peligrosidad social predelictiva? es el argumento principal para llevar a las prisones a los disidentes pacíficos cubanos y cada mes cinco ó seis disdentes son enjuiciados y encarcelados en todo el país bajo el pretexto de tener una conducta socialmente peligrosa. El último de estos disidentes que ha sido encarcelado se llama Carlos Manuel Fernández Reyes de Baracoa en Guantánamo quien ayer, día 5 de abril, ha sido ratificada su condena de un año de privación de libertad en los campos de concentraciones de trabajo forzado del gobierno cubano en ese mismo municipio.

Deseo exhortarlos, animarlos a que sigan adelante para nosotros, para las personas que estamos incomunicados, reprimidos, perseguidos, que vivimos todos los días con el temor de la cárcel ó la muerte. Son Uds. un sol de esperanza, un rayo de luz, un estímulo constante que nos inspiran y nos ayudan a seguir adelante en la compañía de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, luchando en defensa del género humano, de la dignidad humana y de la vida de las personas.  Es esta la opinión no solo de la Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos sino de muchas organizaciones que trabajan junto a nosotros dentro de Cuba en la defensa de los derechos humanos, la sociedad civil, las libertades públicas y el establecimiento de un estado de derecho en nuestro país. Entre ellas puedo mencionar la Asociación de Balseros de Derechos Humanos, Paz, Democracia y Libertad que dirige Margarito Broche Espinosa; el Centro Mèdico Independiente Juan Bruno Zayas que dirige el Dr. Darsi Ferrer, el Movimiento Opción Alternativa que dirigen los hermanos Sigler Amaya, el Movimiento de Reconciliación, Liberación y Paz Juan Pablo II que radica en Baracoa, Guantánamo, el Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre Frank País que dirige Anayka Paneca; el Partido Pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba que dirige René Montes de Oca Martija en prisión, la Asociación de Sordos Independientes de Cuba que dirige Yoandy Quintana Sarría; la Asociación de Ciegos Independientes de Cuba que dirige Tomás Arquímides Quintana Aguiar; el Movimiento de Derechos Humanos Claridad radicado en Holguín que dirige en prisión Lorenzo García Rodríguez, prisionero de conciencia; la Federación Latinoamericana de Mujeres Rurales que dirige Maura Iset González Urquet; la Liga Cubana de Campesinos Independientes que dirige Waldímar Parra Santana y muchas otras instituciones que en conjunto aplaudimos y apoyamos el trabajo de la SIDH en Alemania y rogamos a Dios para que esta organización continue con su maravilloso trabajo.

Muchas gracias

Desde Ciego de Ávila, Cuba  fué por teléfono

JUAN CARLOS GONZÁLEZ LEIVA
6 d?abril de 2007

Carta grabada vía telefónica, transcrita y traducida al inglés por la Coalición de Mujeres Cubano-Americanas/LAIDA CARRO

For the last 30 years the International Society of Human Rights has been defending those in Cuba who are suffering the oppression of a dictatorship that has never respected the fundamental rights of the people and has done whatever is necessary to keep oppressing and violating them.

Summary trials that lasted only a few minutes, where the ones in charge of imposing the sentence are members of the dictator's armed forces, are an essential part of that inhumane system. The detainees that were in La Cabaña penitentiary were taken to a trial that only lasted minutes, and that same night they were placed in front of the firing squad for opposing the dictator.

Many times I heard the orders from the officer in charge of the firing squad in la Cabaña prison followed by the shouts of the patriot who was going to be executed: "Viva Cuba Libre" (Hail Free Cuba), "Viva Cristo Rey" (Hail King Christ), and the shots from the rifles that silenced them. I heard over 300 executions.

Thanks to ISHR for working in the past and to continue working to stop these and many other violations of Human Rights in Cuba. I encourage this organization to continue its heavenly effort.

Eleno O. Oviedo
Director

The Coalition of Cuban-American Women wishes to congratulate and express its deepest gratitude to the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) in Germany for its continued defense since 1977, of all those men and women in the island of Cuba who struggle peacefully against a totalitarian state that systematically violates the fundamental civil rights of its people.  Cubans everywhere are honored by the ISHR's commemoration of its 30-year old commitment to the freedom of Cuba with a conference in Germany on April 24, 2007.

Through its numerous effective public campaigns, press briefings, its quarterly publications and exhibitions on behalf of the political prisoners, their families, and the human rights defenders in Cuba since 1977, the ISHR has carried out an outstanding job exposing and informing public opinion about the brutal repressive nature of the 48-year old communist Cuban regime. A recent example of this was the ISHR's complaint in November 2006, based on the UN Resolution 1503, filed against the Republic of Cuba to the Human Rights Council.

The Coalition of Cuban-American Women considers it a privilege to collaborate since 2003, with the prestigious non-governmental organization (ISHR) in Germany. All freedom loving Cubans all over the world dream of the day when we will be able to invite all our dear friends at the ISHR, and celebrate at last with great joy in the island, a free and democratic Cuba.

Sincerely yours,

Laida A. Carro
President

Message for the 30th Anniversary of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR).

 

One day the Cuban people will finally exercise all their fundamental rights in a democracy under the rule of law. That is their rightful destiny. When that happens, the work of the International Society for Human Rights (IGFM) will occupy a special place in the history annals of the long and difficult struggle for freedom in Cuba. On that happy day, those who, with the ISHR's support, were liberated from prison or bravely confronted tyranny as part of Cuba's peaceful dissident movement, will fully celebrate the gift they received with renewed belief in the human spirit. Today, those of us who also labor to see that day of freedom are inspired by the dedicated and effective efforts of the IGFM. This expression of solidarity-in-action of the German people fuels our commitment and fills us with a gratitude that has special meanings.

 

Maria C. Werlau
Executive Director

Dear participants of the commemoration ceremony for 30 years of dedicated work for political prisoners in Cuba by the International Society for Human Rights.

First of all I want to thank ISHR in the name of the Social Democratic Party of Cuba for the solidarity and help it provides, enabling us to continue our work.

Unfortunately the situation of the political prisoners and democracy activists is deteriorating due to the increasingly critical detention conditions and the repressions of the government. The support that the Spanish government of Rodríguez Zapatero has granted the Cuban tyranny by the visit of State Secretary Moratinos will lead to nothing but complications of reforms toward the democracy which the Cuban society needs so desperately.

We wholeheartedly wish ISHR success in its future work, and that the solidarity with the Cuban cause, this patient and continuous work, shall be fruitful.

Vladimiro Roca
President

 

 

 

To: All distinguished guests to the 30th Anniversary Celebration

With almost 4,000 Km of borders with its nine neighboring countries Germans have always had emigration, communications and aid alternatives not enjoyed by geographically isolated countries such as islands. It is a natural privilege and also, simultaneously, a huge impediment for those individuals and governments that still today intend to forcefully impose totalitarian regimes.

Communications and general interchanges between Germans and their neighboring nations were extremely important and highly decisive in the liberation process from Communist regimes in East Germany and other Eastern Block countries. Even in that advantageous scene, the way towards freedom was very hard and laborious. As Cubans we live geographically isolated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, and only the support and the international affection can save us from death, from the aggressions, imprisonments and from all the humiliations imposed to our people in an institutionalized form. For that reason I appreciate your collaboration so much.

"Republikflucht" (illegal emigration), "Volksverhetzung" (to urge the acts of repudiation) and other cruel terms commonly used by the German people on a daily basis in a bygone era are obsolete today, but ISHR members still employ them to denounce the criminal "wall" imposed on Cubans for over 48 long years, and to transmit the exact dimensions of the tragedy they live in with notable force and precision.

Today, thank God, our planet counts with a variety of individuals and institutions who are committed to the hard work necessary to insure societies function on the basis of respect to all human rights. Some achieve greater success than others, and the strategies employed are different, but when we refer to the ISHR and its work in Cuba, invariably the results have been extremely positive. For this we, all Cubans, will always be infinitely grateful. We pray you will continue this work and have to ask you to never give up on mentioning the names and publishing the photographs of all the Cuban political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

From deep in my heart I want to thank all the members and collaborators of the ISHR, while also expressing my gratitude for all the work and unfailing participation in favor of my liberation while I was still a prisoner of conscience in the Cuban jails.

May God bless ALL the founders and members of the ISHR!
Thank you!

Rodolfo González
Cuban Committee for Human Rights

 

 

 

For decades, the International Society for Human Rights has performed exemplary work for the protection of human rights in Cuba. In the 1980s, a time when little public attention was attributed to the human rights situation on the island, ISHR was one of the few organizations which cared for the political prisoners and paid attention to the growing human rights movement. The leader of this movement was Dr. Ricardo Bofill and the Cuban Committee for Human Rights. For me, Dr. Bofill and ISHR are an invaluable source of inspiration. I appreciate ISHR for its stamina and its continuous activities to give a voice to the voiceless in Cuba.

In favor of the oppositionists in the municipality of Fomento, Sancti Spiritus province in Cuba, I want to thank all those who are helping us to obtain freedom and democracy in our Country and also the international organizations like ISHR and many others that are supporting us in the defense of Human Rights in Cuba.

Dear friends and defenders of Human Rights: I want to send you our affectionate greetings and thanks for the support that we have received from Human Rights organizations including ISHR.

 

While many medical doctors from Cuba are sent to other countries, in this provincial prison in Villa Clara, Cuba, the AIDS patients are incommunicated in cells and lack medical assistance. Food is insufficient. There are no adequate medicines to treat this disease. Conditions in general are such that some of the patients are passing away.

 

Pedro Gonzalez Nieto
Territorial Prison for AIDS, Villa Clara, Cuba