3 political prisoners start hunger strikes

Three Cuban political prisoners — all members of the Group of 75 — started hunger strikes last week after officials at the Canaleta prison blocked one of them from receiving magazines, newspapers and other materials that had been delivered for him.

The publications, including copies of two Spanish newspapers, magazine published by the Cuban Catholic Church and spiritual writings by St. Augustine, had been intended for imprisoned journalist Adolfo Fernández Sainz.

Fernández, who is serving a 15-year prison sentence handed down in 2003, responded by starting a hunger strike until prison officials give to him the publications.

Joining him in the protests were Pedro Argüelles Morán and Antonio Ramón Díaz Sánchez.

Fernández's niece, the blogger Yoani Sanchez, offers her perspective on her uncle's latest tribulation:

His co-defendants and fellow inmates, Pedro Argüelles Morán and Antonio Ramón Díaz Sánchez, have been united in exerting pressure in the only way they can: Rejecting the meager sustenance put on their trays. As long as they refuse to pass on the sustenance of words, they will refuse the tasteless ration that keeps them alive.

(H/T to Penultimos Días)

(Cross-posted at Uncommon Sense.)

Posted by Marc at September 22, 2008 07:10 PM

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Posted by: Gusano at September 22, 2008 10:19 PM

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