arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

I. Introduction
In the space of a few days beginning on 18 March 2003, the Cuban authorities arrested scores of dissidents in targeted sweeps. Some were subsequently released, but 75 of them were subjected to hasty and manifestly unfair trials in early April and quickly sentenced to long prison terms of up to 28 years.(1) Most appealed their sentences, but the appeals were rejected.

The Cuban authorities attempted to justify the crackdown as a necessary response to United States aggression towards the island. Dissidents were convicted either under Article 91 of the Penal Code or Law 88. Article 91 provides for sentences of ten to 20 years or death(2) against anyone "who in the interest of a foreign state, commits an act with the objective of damaging the independence or territorial integrity of the Cuban state."(3)

Law 88, the Ley de Protección de la Independencia Nacional y la Economía de Cuba, Law for the Protection of National Independence and Economy of Cuba, provides stiff prison terms for those deemed guilty of supporting United States policy against Cuba.(4) The law includes, for example, penalties for passing information to the US government or its agents that could be used to bolster US Cuba policy; for owning, distributing or reproducing 'subversive materials' that could be used to promote US policy; for collaborating with media deemed to be assisting US policy; and distribution of funds or materials for the above activities. (5)

In the trials, dissidents were accused of engaging in activities which the authorities perceived as subversive and damaging to Cuba's internal order and/or beneficial to the embargo and related US measures against Cuba. Concretely, the prosecution accused them of activities such as publishing articles critical of economic, social or human rights issues in Cuba; being involved in unofficial groups considered by the authorities as counter-revolutionary; or having contacts with individuals viewed as hostile to Cuba's interests. After a detailed review of the available legal documents in the 75 cases, Amnesty International considered the 75 dissidents to be prisoners of conscience(6) and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

Amnesty International has also closely followed the situation of the 75 prisoners, who are incarcerated in prisons throughout Cuba.

II. Overview of the situation of the 75 prisoners of conscience arrested in March 2003

With regard to their location of detention, Amnesty International has denounced the practice of deliberately incarcerating the 75 individuals in prisons located at extreme distances from their homes and families. This makes access to families and legal assistance particularly difficult, and can be construed as an additional penalty imposed upon the prisoners and their families. This practice contravenes the United Nations Body of Principles for the Protection of all Persons under any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, Principle 20, which provides that:

"If a detained or imprisoned person so requests, he shall if possible be kept in a place of detention or imprisonment reasonably near his usual place of residence".(7)

For example, Normando Hernández González, who lives in Vertientes in the province of Camagüey, is serving his sentence in Pinar del Río province, nearly 700 kilometers away, while Eduardo Díaz Fleitas from Pinar del Río is being held in Kilo 8 prison in Camagüey.

In addition, the exchange of correspondence and telephone communications between many prisoners and their families has reportedly been restricted, and family visits limited, according to families as a form of harassment by prison officials. Restrictions on contact with family members, if intended as harassment or a form of additional punishment, would contradict the principles of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners as laid out in paragraph 37:

"Prisoners shall be allowed under necessary supervision to communicate with their family and reputable friends at regular intervals, both by correspondence and by receiving visits".(8)

In addition, in cases such as that of nine prisoners of conscience held in Kilo 8 prison in Camagüey province, prison authorities have reportedly made efforts to deter prisoners from carrying out activities such as studying the Bible, for example by threatening to suspend family visits. This would also contradict the principles of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, paragraphs 41.3 and 42:

"Access to a qualified representative of any religion shall not be refused to any prisoner. On the other hand, if any prisoner should object to a visit of any religious representative, his attitude shall be fully respected ...So far as practicable, every prisoner shall be allowed to satisfy the needs of his religious life by attending the services provided in the institution and having in his possession the books of religious observance and instruction of his denomination".(9)

With regard to treatment in detention of the 75 individuals detained in March 2003, Amnesty International has received scattered allegations of ill-treatment by prison guards or by other prisoners, reportedly with the complicity of prison guards. Such instances would contravene article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that:

"No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".(10)

In one such case, reports indicate that prisoner of conscience Víctor Rolando Arroyo Carmona was taken from his cell by three prison guards on 31 December 2003 and dragged to the floor while reportedly being struck in the face and body. Guards also allegedly trapped his leg in a door to immobilise him during the beating.

Some prisoners have reportedly been held in solitary confinement for extended periods. Amnesty International believes that if solitary confinement is used, strict limits should be imposed on the practice, including regular and adequate medical supervision by a doctor of the prisoner's choice and the right to appeal prison authorities' decisions. Amnesty International believes that solitary confinement can have serious physical and psychological effects and in certain circumstances can constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

For example, the Sigler Amaya brothers, Ariel and Guido, have reportedly been held in solitary confinement with inadequate light and water, in breach of international standards.

The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, paragraph 33 that states that "chains or irons shall not be used as restraints". Amnesty International has received information indicating that at least one of the prisoners, Próspero Gainza Agüero, was chained during his transfer to the prison infirmary, in contravention of these rules.

With regard to health issues, Amnesty International is concerned at numerous reports of illnesses among the prisoners which have reportedly been aggravated by prison conditions, insufficient access to appropriate medical care and, at times, hunger strikes. The UN Body of Principles for the Protection of all Persons Under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment states that:

"A proper medical examination shall be offered to a detained or imprisoned person as promptly as possible after his admission to the place of detention or imprisonment, and thereafter medical care and treatment shall be provided whenever necessary".(11)

According to reports, at the time of his arrest Oscar Espinosa Chepe had already been diagnosed with chronic cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure and bleeding from the digestive tract, among other illnesses. Since his arrest, his health has reportedly deteriorated. According to family members, the deterioration has been due in part to the poor conditions in which he is being held, including lack of running water and lack of clean drinking water, as well as by inadequate medical attention. While in detention he has reportedly been hospitalised several times due to liver problems. In July 2003, his family presented a judicial request for his release on the grounds of ill health; they have reportedly received no response from the authorities.

In addition, in some cases, family members of prisoners have reportedly been harassed by the authorities, due to their own dissident activities or their efforts on behalf of imprisoned family members. Such harassment has reportedly taken the form of threats, summons, interrogations and curtailment of access to prisoners.

Orlando Fundora Alvarez's wife, for example, was reportedly threatened with arrest and with reprisals against her husband in prison, if she attended a reception given by the Polish Embassy in Havana in November 2003.

The appendix of this report provides detailed information on the situation of the 75 prisoners, one year after their initial arrest. (Information on their past activities and past abuses against them can be found in the earlier Amnesty International report, Cuba: "Essential measures"? Human rights crackdown in the name of security (AI Index: AMR 25/014/2003), June 2003).


III. Recommendations to the Cuban government
1. Prison conditions and treatment of prisoners

Amnesty International calls on the Cuban government:

· to order the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, including those arrested in the March 2003 crackdown as well as all other such prisoners recognised by the organisation;

· to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained or imprisoned solely for having peacefully exercised their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly;

· to provide prisoners with adequate medical care and treatment whenever necessary, as defined in the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of all Persons Under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment (Principles 24 and 26). Amnesty International is aware that the embargo imposed on Cuba by the USA has had a negative impact on, among other things, the availability of medicines and other medical supplies; however, the organisation calls on the Cuban authorities to meet international standards in this regard to the utmost of their capacity;

· to transfer all prisoners of conscience to prisons closer to their families' homes, especially those suffering from illness, as stipulated in the United Nations Body of Principles for the Protection of all Persons under any Form of Detention or Imprisonment (Principle 20);

· to ensure that an independent and impartial inquiry is held into allegations of ill-treatment by prison guards or by other prisoners with the complicity of prison guards; and, that the officials responsible be immediately suspended from duty and brought to justice;

· to ensure that treatment of those in custody is in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, including with regard to permission to have regular correspondence; contact with religious representatives and facilities for worship; a nutritionally adequate diet and acceptable standards of hygiene; and regular open air recreation;

· to ensure that detainees are able to exercise their right to present complaints about matters relating to their legal situation or treatment while in detention without fear of reprisal;
· if solitary confinement is used, strict limits should be imposed on its practice, including: the circumstances under which a detained person may be placed in solitary confinement must be set forth in writing in publicly accessible laws or regulations; specific reason for the confinement must be provided in writing when an the order of solitary confinement is issued, along with an explanation to the detainee about the right of appeal and review; the detainee must have the right of appeal against an order of solitary confinement, and the right to have independent legal advice in the preparation and presentation of this appeal; there must be frequent reviews of the necessity of the imposition of solitary confinement on the particular detainee; regular and adequate medical supervision must be provided, and the detainee must have the right to be examined by a doctor of his or her own choice.

2. The detention of prisoners of conscience

Amnesty International calls on the Cuban government:
· to reform the Cuban legislation which facilitates the ongoing incarceration of prisoners of conscience by outlawing the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms, and to bring such legislation into line with international standards;

· to provide full judicial guarantees to ensure that, in accordance with international human rights standards, all detainees accused of politically-motivated offences have access to a fair trial, including immediate access to a lawyer of their choice;
· to suspend Law 88 and other similar legislation that facilitates the imprisonment of prisoners of conscience by unlawfully restricting fundamental freedoms;

3. International human rights instruments
In addition, Amnesty International urges the Cuban government:
· to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.


IV. Appendix: 75 prisoners of conscience - updates

1. Nelson Alberto Aguiar Ramírez, 58
Sentence: 13 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Guantánamo provincial prison, since September 2003.
Background: President of the unofficial Partido Ortodoxo de Cuba, Cuba Orthodox Party, and a member of the recent initiative, Asamblea para Promover la Sociedad Civil, Assembly to Promote Civil Society. He is an electrician by profession.

Nelson Alberto Aguiar Ramírez reportedly suffers from arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). This condition leads to reduced blood circulation, high blood pressure and the likelihood of heart failure. His symptoms include swelling of the legs. He is also reported to have an enlarged prostate, which has led to retention of urine and urinary infection. He is also apparently suffering from sores on the skin.

On 31 August 2003 he, along with five other prisoners of conscience in Boniato prison, reportedly started a hunger strike to call attention to conditions of detention which included poor hygiene, insufficient food and limited medical assistance. In a move that may have been aimed to break their hunger strike, they were all transferred to different prisons. Nelson Alberto Aguiar was taken to Guantánamo Provincial Prison. Since his arrival he has been, according to reports, in a punishment cell. In these cells, according to reports, conditions habitually fall far below international standards.

2. Osvaldo Alfonso Valdés, 38(12)
Sentence: 18 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Guanajay prison in Havana province.
Background: President of the unofficial Partido Liberal Democrático, Liberal Democratic Party. He has been a member of the Todos Unidos, "All Together" movement, and the steering committee of the Proyecto Varela(13) initiative.
Reports received in October indicated that Osvaldo Alfonso may have been suffering increased mental distress. As a result, he was taken to the Guanajay Hospital for four days.

His wife was reportedly detained and questioned in October 2003 by state security agents and apparently warned to stop her dissident activities and her criticisms of her husband's treatment.

3. Pedro Pablo Alvarez Ramos, 55
Sentence: 25 years.
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Ciego de Avila provincial prison (called "Canaleta").
Background: President of the unofficial Consejo Unitario de Trabajadores Cubanos (CUTC), United Cuban Workers Council. He served as a vice delegate in the 1995-96 Concilio Cubano initiative, and became involved with the Proyecto Varela in 2002.

There is no additional information available on his current situation.

4. Pedro Argüelles Morán, 56

Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Ciego de Avila city
Prison: Combinado del Este prison in Havana.
Background: Member of the Cooperativa de Periodistas Independientes, Cooperative of Independent Journalists. He is also a member of the Comité Cubano Pro Derechos Humanos, Cuban Committee for Human Rights, in Ciego de Avila. Neither organisation has been recognised by the Cuban authorities.

On 16 October 2003, Pedro Argüelles reportedly started a hunger strike in Combinado del Este prison in Havana, demanding to be separated from prisoners convicted of criminal, non-political offences. He reportedly claimed that they threatened and abused him under the orders of prison officials. His demands were met early in November 2003, and according to the information received he started eating again as a result.

5. Víctor Rolando Arroyo Carmona, 52
Sentence: 26 years
Home town: Pinar del Río
Prison: Guantánamo provincial prison.
Background: Vice-president of the unofficial group Foro por la Reforma, Forum for Reform, as well as a member of the unofficial Unión de Periodistas y Escritores Cubanos Independientes (UPECI), Union of Independent Cuban Journalists and Writers.

According to reports, he is suffering from a number of medical conditions including high blood pressure, headaches, weight loss and diarrhoea. His family have charged that Víctor Arroyo is not receiving adequate medical treatment. Family members also reported being subjected to humiliating treatment from prison guards when attempting to visit him in prison in August 2003.

There have also been worrying reports of ill-treatment. According to information received, Víctor Arroyo was taken from his cell by three prison guards on 31 December 2003 and dragged to the floor while reportedly being beaten in the face and body. Guards also allegedly trapped his leg in a door to immobilise him during the beating. The beating reportedly occurred after he complained about being transferred to a building inside the prison where prisoners accused of criminal offences are allegedly confined in harsh conditions.

6. Mijail Barzaga Lugo, 36
Sentence: 15 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Villa Clara provincial prison in Santa Clara city
Background: According to the trial verdict, Mijail Barzaga had worked as an 'independent journalist'.

There is no additional information available on his current situation.

7. Oscar Elías Biscet González, 43
Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Kilo 8 prison, in Pinar del Río province.
Background: Doctor by profession. Also president of the unofficial Fundación Lawton de Derechos Humanos, Lawton Human Rights Foundation. He has been recognised by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience in the past.

Oscar Biscet was already in pre-trial detention when the March 2003 crackdown took place, having been arrested on 6 December 2002 while attempting to take part in a meeting in Havana, reportedly to discuss human rights concerns. However, he was tried together with a number of dissidents who were arrested in the March crackdown, and convicted of similar offences.
On his transfer to Kilo 8 prison in Pinar del Río province in November 2003 he was, according to reports, taken to a punishment cell with no windows or light after refusing to stand up in the presence of prison guards. His family was told that his punishment included a prohibition on family visits, receiving food supplies, toiletries or clothing from outside the prison, receiving or sending any correspondence and going outdoors. Oscar Biscet had apparently already spent some time in solitary confinement in October.

According to the information received, Oscar Biscet suffers from high blood pressure and infected gums.

8. Margarito Broche Espinosa, 45

Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Caibarién, Villa Clara province.
Prison: Guanajay prison in Havana province.
Background: Member of local unofficial Comité Ciudadano, Citizens Committee, for Proyecto Varela initiative. Also founded a group called Asociación Nacional de Balseros, Paz, Democracia y Libertad del Centro Norte de Cuba, the National Association of Rafters, Peace, Democracy and Liberty of North Central Cuba.

According to reports, Margarito Broche suffers from bronchietasis, a condition in which lung tissue is destroyed and becomes a source of infection. One symptom is reportedly a constant cough. He is also said to have an ulcer of the small intestine and a condition of chronic low blood sugar. It has been reported that he is not receiving adequate medical treatment for these illnesses.

In addition, his family has repeatedly complained that Margarito Broche Espinosa has not been able to receive or send correspondence regularly.

According to information received, on 3 January 2004 Margarito Broche started a hunger strike which he planned to continue 75 days to pay symbolic tribute to the 75 prisoners of conscience.

9. Marcelo Cano Rodríguez, 39

Sentence: 18 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Ariza Prison, Cienfuegos province, having been transferred from Ciego de Avila provincial prison (called "Canaleta")
Background: He is a doctor by profession and the National Coordinator of the unofficial Colegio Médico Independiente de Cuba, Cuban Independent Medical Association, a national organization of Cuban medical professionals. As a human rights activist he is also a member of the unofficial Comisión Cubana de Derechos Humanos y Reconciliación Nacional, Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation.

There is no additional information available on his current situation.

10. Juan Roberto de Miranda Hernández, 57 Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Combinado del Este prison in Havana city
Background: He is a teacher by training. He founded and is the president of the Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, College of Independent Teachers of Cuba, which has not received any official recognition by the Cuban authorities.

Reportedly, Juan Roberto de Miranda Hernández is in a fragile state of health. He was reportedly briefly sent to a military hospital to be treated for a heart condition in April 2003. The visit occurred during a move, apparently for medical reasons, from the Agüica prison in Matanzas province to his current prison in Havana city.

According to the information received, Roberto de Miranda subsequently underwent surgery on the valves of his heart, followed by urgent surgery for an obstruction of the coronary artery.

His symptoms are said to include high blood pressure and severe headaches. In October 2003, according to the information received, he was given a series of medical examinations at the Hermanos Almejeiras Hospital in Havana city. After a visit to him in November 2003, his family complained that he was not receiving medical treatment for a large cyst on his back.

Roberto de Miranda's family has also allegedly suffered numerous incidents of harassment at the hands of the authorities, including arbitrary threats of arrest. In addition, another family member who resides in Spain has reportedly been denied an entry visa to Cuba, despite the fact that the reason for the proposed visit is the precarious health of Roberto de Miranda.

11. Carmelo Agustín Díaz Fernández, 65
Sentence: 16 years.
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Combinado del Este prison in Havana province.
Background: Member of the unofficial Unión Sindical Cristiana Cubana, the Christian Cuban Workers Union, and president of the also unofficial Agencia de Prensa Sindical Independiente de Cuba (APSIC), the Independent Union Press Agency. He is the Cuban correspondent for the Venezuelan magazine Desafíos, and his articles have appeared on a number of websites.

According to reports, Carmelo Díaz suffers from cardiovascular ailments, high blood pressure and depression. He was apparently transferred from Guanajay prison in Havana province to the hospital in Combinado del Este prison, where he may reportedly undergo a heart operation.

12. Eduardo Díaz Fleitas, 51
Sentence: 21 years
Home Town: Pinar del Río
Prison: Kilo 8 prison in Camagüey
Background: He is a farmer by profession and belongs to a number of groups in his province of Pinar del Río, including the unofficial Movimiento 5 de Agosto, 5 August Movement.

According to reports Eduardo Díaz suffers from cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. In October 2003, he apparently decided to discontinue medical treatment offered by the authorities on the grounds that it was inadequate. According to reports, family members have tried to provide him with medicine required for his treatment, which is unavailable within the prison medical service, but were not allowed to do so.

In September 2003, Eduardo Díaz and other prisoners of conscience imprisoned in Kilo 8 were reportedly threatened with having conjugal and other family visits suspended if they persisted in activities such as studying the Bible in their cells.

13. Antonio Ramón Díaz Sánchez, 40
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Holguín provincial prison.
Background: He is an electrician by profession. He is a member of the unofficial Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement, and has been active in the Proyecto Varela initiative.
On 18 October 2003, Antonio Díaz joined a hunger strike of six other prisoners to protest against the detention in a punishment cell on 17 October of fellow prisoner Iván Hernández Carrillo after the latter reportedly shouted criticisms of the government and accused prison authorities of denying him medical assistance. Conditions in such cells habitually fall far below international standards, according to reports.

On 6 November, five women relatives of the hunger strikers travelled to Holguín prison to enquire for the health of their relatives. They were reportedly not allowed to speak personally with any of them, but were told by prison officials that the hunger strike had ended that day. Prison officials reportedly promised that their relatives would be allowed to telephone home on 10 November; however, no calls were received.

Following Antonio Díaz ' participation in the hunger strike, he was transferred to another unit within Holguín prison.

14. Alfredo Rodolfo Domínguez Batista, age not known
Sentence: 14 years
Home town: Las Tunas
Prison: Holguín provincial prison
Background: He is a member of the Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement, and has been involved in the Proyecto Varela initiative.

Alfredo Domínguez began serving his sentence in "El Típico" provincial prison in Las Tunas, with four other men arrested in the crackdown of March 2003. However, they were all transferred, reportedly after they had staged a protest in the prison. He is now being held in Holguín provincial prison.

According to reports, he and others in Holguín prison joined prisoner of conscience Mario Enrique Mayo on a hunger strike from 15 to 25 August 2003. Mario Enrique Mayo had begun the strike to demand better medical attention and food. The protest apparently ended when the authorities agreed to meet prisoner demands.

From 18 October to 6 November 2003 Alfredo Domínguez apparently joined another hunger strike, in conjunction with other prisoners, to protest against the detention in a punishment cell on 17 October of fellow prisoner Iván Hernández Carrillo after the latter reportedly shouted criticisms of the government and accused prison authorities of denying him medical assistance. Conditions in such cells habitually fall far below international standards, according to the information received.

On 6 November, five women relatives of the hunger strikers travelled to Holguín prison to enquire for the health of their relatives. They were reportedly not allowed to speak personally with any of them, but were told by prison officials that the hunger strike had ended that day. Prison officials reportedly promised that their relatives would be allowed to telephone home on 10 November; however no calls were received.

15. Oscar Manuel Espinosa Chepe, 63 Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Carlos J. Finlay military prison in Havana.
Background: He is a former employee of the National Bank of Cuba. He also worked for the Cuban government as economic counsellor for the Cuban Embassy in Belgrade. Later, after expressing criticism of government policies, he became a journalist reporting on economic and other matters.

Oscar Espinosa reportedly suffers from several medical conditions. According to reports, at the time of his arrest he had already been diagnosed with chronic cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure and bleeding from the digestive tract. Non-malignant growths have been removed from the colon and it needs checking for possible recurrence. He has problems with his spine and receives treatment for ocular disease.

Since his arrest, although a medical doctor reportedly has access to him and has been able to alert prison authorities to medical problems, his health has deteriorated. The deterioration has been exacerbated by the poor conditions in which he is being held, including lack of running water, lack of clean drinking water and inadequate medical attention.

On 20 April 2003, while awaiting transfer to another prison, Oscar Espinosa was sent from the temporary detention facility at the State Security headquarters in Havana to the Marianao Military Hospital; however, he reportedly was not given a medical examination, on the grounds that he was soon to be assigned to a more permanent prison.

On 24 April, he was transferred to Guantánamo Provincial Prison and, from there on 16 May, to Guantánamo Provincial Hospital. Concerns for his health continued and, on 31 May, he was admitted to the provincial Ambrosio Grillo Hospital in the city of Santiago de Cuba. According to reports, his family was concerned at the poor conditions in that hospital, and requested that he be sent to a better-equipped hospital in Havana.

On 4 July, he was sent to Boniato Provincial Prison in Santiago de Cuba province and on 12 July, apparently due to liver problems, he was sent again to Ambrosio Grillo
Hospital. Family members continued to protest at the absence of the specialised medical attention they believed he required. On 7 August, he was flown to Carlos J. Finlay Military Hospital in Havana.

In July 2003, his family presented a judicial request for the release of Oscar Espinosa on the grounds of ill health; they have reportedly received no response from the authorities. They apparently remain concerned at the lack of information from prison system doctors about his medical condition and treatment. They reportedly continue to request his release on health grounds and have added a petition that he be allowed to leave Cuba once released, in order to have a liver transplant abroad.

According to the information received, Oscar Espinosa is not allowed to use the telephone or to receive or write letters.

His family has reported some harassment by prison officials: in one instance, they were allegedly told that the visit scheduled for 29 November 2003, which coincided with Oscar Espinosa's 63rd birthday, depended on "how Miriam behaves," a possible reference to his wife's statements to international media about his condition.

16. Alfredo Felipe Fuentes, age not known Sentence: 26 years
Home town: Artemisa in Havana province
Prison: Guamajal prison in the municipality of Santa Clara.
Background: Member of the Consejo Unitario de Trabajadores Cubanos (CUTC), United Cuban Workers Council, and other organisations.

There is no additional information available on his current situation.

17. Efrén Fernández Fernández, 54
Sentence: 12 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Guanajay prison in Havana province.
Background: He is secretary of the Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement, and was active in the Proyecto Varela signature drive in Havana.

There is no additional information available on his current situation.

18. Juan Adolfo Fernández Sainz, 55 Sentence: 14 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Holguín provincial prison.
Background: He is a trained English language translator and worked as a journalist with the unofficial agency Patria, Fatherland.

Juan Adolfo Fernández has reportedly joined two hunger strikes in Holguín provincial prison. According to reports, he and others in Holguín prison joined prisoner of conscience Mario Enrique Mayo on a hunger strike from 15 to 25 August 2003. Mario Enrique Mayo had begun the strike to demand better medical attention and food. The protest apparently ended when the authorities agreed to meet the demands.

Subsequently, Juan Adolfo Fernández and 6 other prisoners of conscience carried out a hunger strike from 18 October to 6 November, to protest against the detention in a punishment cell on 17 October of fellow prisoner Iván Hernández Carrillo after the latter reportedly shouted criticisms of the government and accused prison authorities of denying him medical assistance. Reportedly conditions in punishment cells habitually fall far below international standards.

On 6 November, five women relatives of the hunger strikers, including Juan Adolfo Fernández' wife, travelled to Holguín prison to enquire for the health of their relatives. They were reportedly not allowed to speak personally with any of them, but were told by prison officials that the hunger strike had ended that day. Prison officials reportedly promised that their relatives would be allowed to telephone home on 10 November; however no calls were received.

According to reports, on 6 December 2003 Juan Adolfo Fernández was beaten by another prisoner, to whom prison officials had given a supervisory role over other inmates. The incident, which has apparently not been investigated by the authorities, reportedly occurred after Juan Adolfo Fernández protested about the detention conditions of another prisoner. Information received indicated he suffered a bruised and bloody left temple and a bruised right eyelid during the incident, and was consequently transferred to the infirmary. Ongoing health concerns reportedly include severe weight loss and chronic conjunctivitis.

19. José Daniel Ferrer García, 33
Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Santiago de Cuba
Prison: Kilo 5 1/2 prison in Pinar del Río
Background: Brother of Luis Enrique Ferrer García, he is an active Proyecto Varela supporter and regional co-ordinator for the Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement, in Santiago Province.

According to reports, he started a hunger strike in May, claiming that he had been refused medical assistance for intestinal problems. He also allegedly complained about orders forcing him to stand up in presence of a prison guard or military person; according to reports, for these reasons he was sent to a punishment cell; reported conditions in punishment cells habitually fall far below international standards.

20. Luis Enrique Ferrer García, 27
Sentence: 28 years
Home town: Puerto Padre in Las Tunas province
Prison: Combinado del Este prison in Guanabacoa municipality in Havana province
Background: Brother of José Daniel Ferrer García, he also is a member of Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement.

According to reports, in September 2003 he and fellow prisoner of conscience Librado Ricardo Linares García were transferred to a punishment cell in Combinado del Este prison for having refused to military salute a high prison official. As mentioned above, reported conditions in punishment cells habitually fall far below international standards. The two men, along with prisoners of conscience Guido Sigler Amaya and Alfredo Pulido López, apparently carried out a hunger strike for five days until both Librado Ricardo Linares García and Luis Enrique Ferrer were returned to their original cells.

In September 2003, Luis Enrique Ferrer's wife reported being threatened by police officers that she would be arrested, and her children taken away, because she had taken part in activities such as collecting signatures for the Proyecto Varela initiative.

21. Orlando Fundora Alvarez, 48
Sentence: 18 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Combinado del Este prison in Guanabacoa municipality in Havana province.
Backgrond: President of the unofficial Asociación de Presos Políticos 'Pedro Luis Boitel,' or 'Pedro Luis Boitel' Political Prisoners Association.

Reports indicate that Orlando Fundora suffered a heart attack in the past and remains at high cardiovascular risk, with additional complaints such as a stomach ulcer and high blood pressure. He has reportedly been operated on twice, in August and December 2003, for another ailment (intestinal thrombosis) blockage of blood vessels of the intestine and is currently said to be recovering in Julio Trigo Hospital in Havana province.

Orlando Fundora's family has reportedly been harassed by state security officials; on one occasion, his wife was reportedly threatened with arrest and with reprisals against her husband in prison, if she attended a reception given by the Polish Embassy in Havana in November 2003.

22. Próspero Gaínza Agüero, age not known

Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Moa in Holguín province
Prison: Boniato Provincial Prison in Santiago de Cuba province
Background: Delegate for Holguín province of the unofficial Movimiento Nacional de Resistencia Cívica 'Pedro Luis Boitel,' 'Pedro Luis Boitel' National Civil Resistance Movement.

According to reports, while Próspero Gaínza was suffering from a very high fever resulting from a serious bout of influenza in July 2003, his hands and feet were chained during his transfer to the prison infirmary.

On 31 August 2003, he reportedly started, along with five other prisoners of conscience in Boniato prison, a hunger strike to call attention to their conditions of detention, including poor hygiene, insufficient food and limited medical assistance. In a move that may have been aimed to break their hunger strike, prison authorities transferred some of them to different prisons.
Próspero Gaínza's family have denounced his conditions of detention. For example, they have charged that, as an additional form of punishment, he has not been allowed to receive or to send correspondence as freely or frequently as other prisoners do, or to have a Bible in his cell.

23. Miguel Galván Gutiérrez, 39
Sentence: 26 years.
Home town: Guines, Havana province
Prison: Agüica prison in the municipality of Colón in Matanzas province
Background: He is an engineer by profession. He has reportedly written articles for the unofficial press agency Havana Press and served as president of the unofficial Colegio de Ingenieros y Arquitectos de Cuba, College of Engineers and Architects of Cuba. He is also the area coordinator for Proyecto Varela

Miguel Galván is physically handicapped due to the effects of a road accident in 1998. His family has reportedly expressed concerns for his health, which according to prison officials has deteriorated during his imprisonment due to his participation in several hunger strikes. He reportedly suffers from diarrohea, abdominal pain, pain in his joints and inflammation of the feet, in addition to difficulties with his handicapped arm.

According to information received, prison officials repeatedly threatened Miguel Galván with being tried on additional charges related to his having produced, together with other prisoners, a document for the Ibero-American Summit(14) in Bolivia in November 2003 demanding freedom for political prisoners.

His family has complained that Miguel Galván has not been permitted to receive or to send correspondence as free or frequently as other prisoners, as a form of harassment.

24. Julio César Gálvez Rodríguez, 59
Sentence: 15 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Provincial prison in Santa Clara
Background: He is a journalist. In 2001, he was allegedly sacked from the official radio stations Radio Ciudad de La Habana and Radio Cadena Habana for collaborating with the unofficial organization Cuba Free Press.
Julio César Gálvez is reportedly suffering from high blood pressure, renal and intestinal colic and cervical arthritis. On 6 December, he was reportedly transferred to the prison infirmary for treatment of these complaints.

25. Edel José García Díaz, 58

Sentence: 15 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Boniato Provincial Prison in Santiago de Cuba province.
Background: He worked as director of an unofficial press agency in Havana, and reportedly took part in a workshop on journalistic ethics held just before the March 2003 crackdown.

According to reports, he is blind in the left eye and the right eye is increasingly affected as well. In addition, he is said to suffer from stomach ulcer, bleeding haemorrhoids, high blood pressure, kidney cyst and claustrophobia.

26. José Luis García Paneque, 38
Sentence: 24 years
Home town: Las Tunas
Prison: Villa Clara Provincial Prison
Background: He is a plastic surgeon by training and a member of the unofficial Colegio Médico Independiente de Cuba, Cuban Independent Medical Association. He has also been involved in journalism, as director of the independent news agency Libertad and member of unofficial Sociedad de Periodistas, Journalists' Society, "Manuel Marquez Sterling." He was also reportedly involved in the Proyecto Varela initiative as well as directing a private library.

José Luis García reportedly suffers from claustrophobia. Reports received in October 2003 indicated that he may have been suffering increased mental distress at his confinement.

27. Ricardo Severino González Alfonso, 53
Sentence: 20 years.
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Kilo 8 Provincial Prison in the province of Camagüey
Background: President of the unofficial Sociedad de Periodistas "Manuel Marquez Sterling", Manuel Márquez Sterling Journalists' Society, and correspondent in Cuba of the international non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders. He also has a private library in his home.
In September 2003, he and other prisoners of conscience imprisoned in Kilo 8 were reportedly threatened with having conjugal and other family visits suspended if they persisted in studying the Bible in their cells. Such behaviour would contravene international standards.

On 8 December 2003, Ricardo González apparently started a hunger strike demanding to be separated from ordinary criminal prisoners who had allegedly threatened and stolen his personal belongings. On 14 December, he was transferred to a punishment cell, where according to reports conditions habitually fall far below international standards; however, according to reports, his demands were met on 24 December and he started eating again.

Ricardo González's family are said to be very concerned about his health. Reports indicate that suffers from a cyst in the neck as well as enlarged lymph nodes.

28. Diosdado González Marrero, age not known
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: El Roque in Matanzas province
Prison: Kilo 5½ Prison in the province of Pinar del Río.
Background: He has been an activist for several years and has been detained on several occasions. He was been recognised by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience in the past.

According to reports, he suffers from high blood pressure and apparently has not received adequate medical attention for his complaint.

29. Léster González Pentón, 26
Sentence: 20 years
Home Town: Santa Clara city
Prison: According to information received, on 10 November 2003 he was transferred from Kilo 8 to Kilo 7 Prison, both in Camagüey province.
Background: He is a member of the Movimiento pro Derechos Humanos Razón, Verdad y Libertad, Reason, Truth and Freedom Human Rights Movement, and delegate of the Confederación de Trabajadores Democráticos de Cuba, Cuban Confederation of Democratic Workers, in Santa Clara. Neither organization has been officially recognized by the authorities.

In September, he and other prisoners of conscience imprisoned in Kilo 8 prison were reportedly threatened with suspension of conjugal and other family visits if they persisted in studying the Bible in their cells.
According to reports, Léster González has complained to prison authorities of harassment and threats from other prisoners with whom he has been imprisoned. However, there has reportedly been no official response.

According to his family communication via mail or telephone with the prisoner is restricted.

30. Alejandro González Raga, 45
Sentence: 14 years
Home town: Camagüey
Prison: Ciego de Avila Provincial Prison (called "Canaleta")
Background: He is a journalist and helped to collect signatures for the Proyecto Varela, Varela Project.

There is no additional information available about his current situation.

31. Jorge Luis González Tanquero, 32
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: in Las Tunas province
Prison: Guanajay Prison in Havana province
Background: He is reportedly a member of an unofficial group called Movimiento Independentista Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Independence Movement, which is not recognized by the authorities. He also helped to collect signatures for the Proyecto Varela in Las Tunas.

There is no additional information available about his current situation.

32. Leonel Grave de Peralta Almenares, age not known
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Juan Antonio Mella in Santiago de Cuba province
Prison: Kilo 5½ Prison in Pinar del Río
Background: He is a member of the unofficial Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement, in the province of Santa Clara. He reportedly helped gather signatures for the Proyecto Varela in that region. He is also said to have a private library called the "Bartolomé Massó" Library.

There is no additional information available about his current situation.

33. Iván Hernández Carrillo, 32
Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Colón, in Matanzas province
Prison: Holguín Provincial Prison
Background: He reportedly belongs to several dissident groups: he is a member of the unofficial Partido por la Democracia "Pedro Luis Boitel," "Pedro Luis Boitel" Democracy Party", has worked as a journalist for several agencies, including the Patria, "Fatherland" agency, and has a private library in his house in the province of Matanzas.

He reportedly joined prisoner of conscience Mario Enrique Mayo on his hunger strike from 15 to 25 August demanding better medical assistance and food for prisoners in Holguín Prison. The protest apparently ended when the authorities agreed to Mario Enrique Mayo's demands.

On 17 October 2003, he was reportedly placed in a punishment cell after reportedly shouting criticisms of the government and accusing prison authorities of denying him medical attention for high blood pressure. In response Iván Hernández started a hunger strike which was joined by six other prisoners of conscience. Reportedly, conditions in punishment cells habitually fall far below international standards.

On 6 November, five women relatives of the hunger strikers travelled to Holguín prison to enquire for the health of their relatives. They were reportedly not allowed to speak personally with any of them, but were told by prison officials that the hunger strike had ended that day. Prison officials reportedly promised that their relatives would be allowed to telephone home on 10 November; however no calls were received.

34. Normando Hernández González, 33
Sentence: 25 years
Home Town: Vertientes, province of Camagüey
Prison: Kilo 5 ½ prison in Pinar del Río province
Background: He is the director of the unofficial Colegio de Periodistas Independientes, College of Independent Journalists.

According to reports, Normando Hernández and five other prisoners of conscience in Boniato prison started a hunger strike on 31 August to call attention to their conditions of detention, which reportedly included poor hygiene, insufficient food and inadequate medical attention. In a move that may have been aimed to break the hunger strike, they were all transferred to different prisons. Since 1 September Normando Hernández has been held in Kilo 5 ½ prison in Pinar del Río province.

His family is reportedly concerned about his health. It has been reported that Normando Hernández suffers from inflammatory disease of the small intestine, chest pain, increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

His family has repeatedly complained about not having been able to communicate with him either by phone or letters since October 2003.

35. Juan Carlos Herrera Acosta, 37
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Guantánamo
Prison: Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey
Background: He is a member of the Movimiento Cubano de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Cuban Movement of Young People for Democracy, and the Asociación de Presos Políticos 'Pedro Luis Boitel', 'Pedro Luis Boitel' Political Prisoners Association. Neither organisation has been recognised by the authorities. He also works as a journalist in the province of Guantánamo.

Juan Carlos Herrera has reportedly been held in three different prisons: in September 2003 he was transferred from Boniato Provincial Prison in Santiago de Cuba province to Kilo 8 in Camagüey and in November, to Kilo 7 in the same province.

According to reports he has a number of ailments, including sores on his skin and cardiovascular problems. Information received indicates that the appropriate medication for his condition has not been administered in prison due to lack of availability; when family members acquired the relevant medicine on their own, they reportedly were not allowed to give it to the prisoner.

According to reports, on 31 August Juan Carlos Herrera, along with five other prisoners of conscience in Boniato prison, began a hunger strike to call attention to their conditions of detention, which they said included poor hygiene, insufficient food and inadequate medical attention. In a move that may have been aimed to break their hunger strike, they were all transferred to different prisons, Juan Carlos Herrera was reportedly transferred to Kilo 8 prison in Camagüey.

In September he and other prisoners of conscience in Kilo 8 were reportedly threatened with suspension of conjugal and other family visits if they persisted in studying the Bible in their cells.

He has also complained, according to reports, of the denial of access to the telephone to contact his family, and of not being able to receive and to send correspondence as frequently as other prisoners, as additional punishment.

36. Regis Iglesias Ramírez, 33
Sentence: 18 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Ariza prison in Cienfuegos province
Background: He is a member of the unofficial Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement, in Havana. He has been involved in work related to the Proyecto Varela.

In September 2003, he and other prisoners of conscience in Kilo 8 were reportedly threatened with having conjugal and other family visits suspended if they persisted in studying the Bible in their cells.

It has been reported that he was been transferred from Kilo 8 Provincial Prison in the municipality of Camagüey to Ariza Prison in Cienguegos province.

37. José Ubaldo Izquierdo Hernández, age not known
Sentence: 16 years
Home town: Güines in Havana province
Prison: Kilo 5½ prison in the municipality of Pinar del Río
Background: He runs the private "Sebastián Arcos Bergnes" Library and works as a journalist for an agency called Grupo Decoro.

In June 2003, it was reported that José Ubaldo Izquierdo fell while handcuffed, requiring nine stitches in his head and treatment for two wrist fractures. He was transferred to the Provincial Hospital in Pinar del Río.

38. Reinaldo Miguel Labrada Peña, 40
Sentence: 6 years
Home town: Las Tunas
Prison: Guantánamo provincial prison
Background: He is a member of the unofficial Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement. He has been involved in the work around the Proyecto Varela initiative.

According to reports, he has been denied access to religious services, time outdoors and to adequate light and ventilation in his cell.

39. Librado Ricardo Linares García, 42
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Camajuaní, Villa Clara province
Prison: Combinado del Este prison in the municipality of Guanabacoa, Havana province
Background: He is president of the unofficial Movimiento Cubano Reflexión, Cuban Reflection Movement in Camajuaní. He is an engineer by profession and, after reportedly being expelled from the Communist Party in 1992 for calling for economic reforms, has been involved in dissident activities for a number of years.

According to reports, in September 2003 he and fellow prisoner of conscience Luis Enrique Ferrer were transferred to a punishment cell in Combinado del Este, Havana, for having refused to salute a prison official; reported conditions in punishment cells habitually fall far below international standards. The two prisoners, along with prisoners of conscience Guido Sigler Amaya and Alfredo Pulido López, apparently carried out a hunger strike over several days in September until both Librado Ricardo Linares García and Luis Enrique Ferrer were returned to their cells. His family visits have been reportedly cancelled since August 2003.

His family has repeatedly complained that, as a form of harassment, Librado Ricardo Linares Garcia has not been permitted either to receive or to send correspondence under the same conditions as other prisoners.

40. Marcelo Manuel López Bañobre, 40 Sentence: 15 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Guanajay prison in Havana province
Background: He is a tugboat captain by occupation and is the spokesperson for the unofficial Comisión Cubana de Derechos Humanos y Reconciliación Nacional, Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation.

According to reports, Marcelo Manuel López Bañobre suffers from a neurological disease, emphysema of the lungs, high blood pressure and orthopaedic problems.

41. Héctor Fernando Maseda Gutiérrez, 61
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Manacas prison in the municipality of Manacas
Background: He is reportedly an engineer and physicist by profession. Since becoming involved in dissident activities, he has written many articles, especially on history, economy and culture, which have been published in different sites.

According to reports, he suffers from scabies and has contracted different allergies due to prison conditions. His family has reportedly tried to ease his condition by bringing clean sheets and other materials, but this has not been permitted by prison authorities.

42. José Miguel Martínez Hernández, 39
Sentence: 13 years
Home town: Quivicán in Havana province
Prison: Kilo 8 prison in Camagüey municipality
Background: He is an area representative for the unofficial political group Movimiento 24 de Febrero, 24 February Movement. He has been active with the Proyecto Varela and has a private library, the "General Juan Bruno Zayas" library, in his house.

In September, he and other prisoners of conscience imprisoned in Kilo 8 were reportedly threatened with having conjugal and other family visits suspended if they persisted in studying the Bible in their cells.

43. Mario Enrique Mayo Hernández, 38
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Camagüey
Prison: Mar Verdad prison, province of Santiago de Cuba
Background: He is a lawyer by profession. He has worked as a journalist, publishing articles in the media, and is director of the Félix Varela unofficial press agency in Camagüey.

Mario Enrique Mayo reportedly suffers from high blood pressure and haemorrhoids, ailments which have apparently worsened during his time in prison.

In August, prison guards reportedly prevented Mario Enrique Mayo from collecting medicine and food brought for him by his wife. In protest, he declared an indefinite hunger strike and was joined by six other prisoners of conscience. They demanded better medical assistance and food for prisoners in Holguín prison. Mario Enrique Mayo had to be taken to the medical unit in the prison due to deterioration of his health during the strike. The protest ended on 25 August when according to reports the authorities agreed with Mario Enrique Mayo's demands.

On 18 October 2003, Mario Enrique Mayo joined a hunger strike of six other prisoners to protest against the detention in a punishment cell on 17 October of fellow prisoner Iván Hernández Carrillo after the latter reportedly shouted criticisms of the government and accused prison authorities of denying him medical assistance. Reported conditions in punishment cells habitually fall far below international standards.

On 6 November, five women relatives of the hunger strikers travelled to Holguín prison to enquire for the health of their relatives. They were reportedly not allowed to speak personally with any of them, but were told by prison officials that the hunger strike had ended that day. Prison officials reportedly promised that their relatives would be allowed to telephone home on 10 November; however no calls were received.

Due to his participation in the hunger strike, Mario Enrique Mayo was reportedly transferred to Mar Verdad Prison, province of Santiago de Cuba.

44. Luis Milán Fernández, 34
Sentence: 13 years
Home town: Santiago de Cuba
Prison: Ciego de Avila provincial prison (called "Canaleta")
Background: He is reportedly a medical doctor by profession. He is a member of the unofficial Colegio Médico de Cuba, Cuban Medical Association.

There is no additional information available on his current situation.

45. Nelson Moliné Espino, 39
Sentence: 21 years
Home Town: San Miguel del Padrón, Havana province
Prison: Reportedly transferred from Kilo 8 prison to Kilo 5 ½ both in Pinar del Río municipality in October 2003
Background: He is president of the unofficial Confederación de Trabajadores Democráticos de Cuba, Confederation of Democratic Workers of Cuba, and a member of the unofficial Partido 30 de noviembre, 30 November Party.

Nelson Moliné is said to suffer from diarrhoea and sores on his skin due to infected mosquito bites.

According to reports, since his trial in April 2003 he has again been tried and sentenced to an additional year on charges of "desacato," or "disrespect". The basis of the charges and conviction were not clear.

In early October 2003, in what was reported as a form of additional punishment for Nelson Moliné and harassment for family members, he was allegedly brought to a family meeting handcuffed and shackled.

46. Angel Juan Moya Acosta, 39
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: a prison in Bayamo, Granma province
Background: He is president of the unofficial Movimiento Opción Alternativa, Alternative Option Movement, in Matanzas province, as well as a member of the Consejo Nacional de Resistencia Cívica, National Council of Civic Resistance, both organisations which have not been recognised by the authorities. He was active in the Todos Unidos, ''All United'' umbrella movement. He has previously been considered a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.

From 15 to 25 August 2003 he apparently joined Mario Enrique Mayo on his hunger strike demanding better medical assistance and food for prisoners in Holguín Prison. The protest ended when the authorities agreed to give Mario Enrique Mayo a proper diet.

On 18 October 2003, Angel Moya reportedly joined a hunger strike of six other prisoners to protest against the detention in a punishment cell on 17 October of fellow prisoner Iván Hernández Carrillo after the latter reportedly shouted criticisms of the government and accused prison authorities of denying him medical assistance. Angel Moya was reportedly transferred to a punishment cell the same day. Reported conditions in punishment cells habitually fall far below international standards.

On 6 November, five women relatives of the hunger strikers travelled to Holguín prison to enquire for the health of their relatives. They were reportedly not allowed to speak personally with any of them, but were told by prison officials that the hunger strike had ended that day. Prison officials reportedly promised that their relatives would be allowed to telephone home on 10 November; however no calls were received.

Due to his participation in the hunger strike, Angel Moya Acosta was transferred to a prison in Bayamo, Granma province.

Angel Moya apparently suffers from blockage of blood vessels of the intestines.


47. Jesús Miguel Mustafá Felipe, 58
Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba province
Prison: Combinado del Este prison in Havana province
Background: He is a member of the unofficial Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, Christian Liberation Movement. He was involved in collecting signatures for the Proyecto Varela in his home town of Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba province.

There is no additional information available on his situation at this time.

48. Félix Navarro Rodríguez, 49
Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Perico, Matanzas province
Prison: Combinado de Guantánamo prison, Guantánamo
Background: He is a teacher by training, and a member of the unofficial Partido Solidaridad Democrática, Democratic Solidarity Party in the Matanzas province. In addition, he has been active in the Proyecto Varela campaign and the Todos Unidos umbrella movement.

There is no additional information available on his situation at this time.

49. Jorge Olivera Castillo, 41 Sentence: 18 years
Home town: Havana city
Prison: Provincial prison in Guantánamo province
Background: He is director of the unofficial Havana Press agency. The agency's articles have been featured on the US-based Nueva Prensa Cubana, New Cuban Press, website.

According to reports, at the time of his arrest Jorge Olivera was receiving medical treatment for chronic inflammation of the intestine, hiatus hernia and gastric reflux, a non-specific disease of the rectum and parasitic infection.

In December 2003, he reportedly underwent a medical check-up, after which he was also diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and infection with parasites (giardiasis and amoebiasis). He has reportedly had severe weight loss since his detention. According to the information received, his family has expressed concern that he may not be receiving adequate medical attention for his illnesses at the provincial prison of Guantánamo.
Letters to and from his family have reportedly not been reaching their destination, leading to concerns that his correspondence is being restricted more than that of other prisoners as a form of harassment.

50. Pablo Pacheco Avila, 33
Sentence: 20 years
Home town: Ciego de Avila
Prison: Agüica prison in the municipality of Colón in Matanzas province
Background: He works for the unofficial agency Cooperativa Avileña de Periodistas Independientes, Avileña Cooperative of Independent Journalists, in Ciego de Avila.

He is reportedly suffering from high blood pressure and migraines, for which he is said to have received some treatment.

51. Héctor Palacios Ruiz, 62
Sentence: 25 years
Home town: Havana City
Prison: Kilo 5 1/2 prison in Pinar del Río province
Background: He is the director of the unofficial Centro de Estudios Sociales, Centre of Social Studies. He is also the secretary of the public relations committee of Comité de Relatoría del Movimiento Todos Unidos, the Todos Unidos umbrella movement.

In a letter to a friend in November 2003, Héctor Palacios was reported to have complained about poor treatment and an aggressive attitude by prison staff; family members were reportedly warned by prison officials not to inform the media of his complaints.

In December 2003, Héctor Palacios and other prisoners, as well as some family members, reportedly went on a symbolic twelve hour hunger strike on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In January 2004, Héctor Palacios was reported to be suffering from diarrhoea, ear infection, high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and the gall-bladder. In February 2004, he was said to have been admitted to hospital for surgical intervention for a problem with his gall-bladder, as apparently he suffers from gall stones. Prison authorities reportedly said that he would under