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