Inside Cuba
- November 2001 archives
First-hand reports from dissidents and human rights activists
within Cuba
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Son of the President of Political Prisoners Club is
detained in the Department of
Operations of the State Security.
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 21, 2001) – Alberto
Martínez Martínez, 17 years old, young man, born on April 19, 1994, and
resident of "Calle 3 Norte, No. 1131 Esquina 5 Oeste del Reparto
Pastorita" in this City of Guantánamo, is currently being detained in the
Department of Operations of the State Security since Tuesday in the early
morning hours; in a prison with inhumane conditions, beds made of "tola"
(a type of bark), dreadful food and being submitted to
psycological torture.
Alberto is the son of Alberto Martínez Fernández, President
of the Club of Prisoners and Former Political Prisoners in this province;
ever since he was a small boy he has suffered harassment, persecution and
humilliations that the Castro regime has been enforcing against his father
and also against him. Not allowing him his vocational studies of painting,
conducting acts of repudiation against him in school because of his
political ideology and other coersive measures forced this young man to
make the decision of abondoning the country by the frontier zone on the
Guantánamo Naval Base. He was captured by Jatibonico, last Sunday,
November 18th .
He is among the youngest oppositionists in the Province and
participated in each activity scheduled by peaceful members of the
opposition in this City of Guantánamo.
Reported, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in
Guantánamo of the Democratic Party November "30" “Frank País”. To the
Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on the 26 of November, 2001.
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Political prisoner brutaly
beaten in Combinado of Guantánamo. www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/noticias/html (GUANTÁNAMO,CUBA, November 21, 2001) –On November 19, the political prisoner Julián Hernández López, 23 years old, was victim of a brutal and inhumane beating, under orders from Luís Orlando Casamayor and executed by Captain Reynaldo and Official Soler, which rendered him unconscious for several hours.
Hernández López is confined on Floor 4B, Cubicle 2 of said
prison. He is serving a 5 year prison sentence where he is
suffering physical abuses and psychological torture and 10 years of exile,
for the simple supposed crime of illegal exit. He has remained for more
than one year in a punishment cell in a section of the prison known
as "Death Lane". On many occasions, he has been
denied medical assistance in spite of his suffering from hypertension and
hipoglucemia, and diabetes, illnesses that they have not considered
when they continue subjecting this prisoner to cruel and
inhumane treatments.
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Farewell letter from a 17 year old Cuban boy to his father.
(
GUANTÁNAMO,
CUBA, November 21, 2001) – Days before his failed attempt in search of
freedom, Alberto Martínez Martínez, 17 years old, wrote the following
farewell letter to his father. Alberto Martínez Fernández authorized the
publication of this letter as testimony of the suffering of the young
Cubans in the Island.
To:
Alberto Martínez Fernández
Papá,
today, 11th of November, 2001, I am writing this letter to you in the
hopes that if something happens to me it will be my own responsibilty, I
do not want you to reproach my decision to ask for asylum in the North
American Naval Base in Guantanamo, because I am doing so for the following
reasons:
1st.
I am one among of many young frustrated Cubans. When I wanted to study
the art of painting, the Communist Government denied me that right, you
know that was my vocation since I was a boy.
2nd.
Because of the repudiation I suffered at school during the events of the
little rafter Elian Gonzalez, for having an American flag on my bike.
3rd. I am
leaving because all of the beatings you have endured in prison which you
unjustly suffered, the kidnapping and the beatings on June 8th and 16th, I
don't know how to avenge myself from those Communists SOB's, whom have
made our family suffer so much.
4th.
Because of problems at school on 1/11/2001, where I was expelled for
saying that prisoners are mistreated and that it's even worse for the
political prisoners, and for telling the truth and reality of the cruel
acts that take place in Cuba ordered by the dictator Castro. They taught
me from my commencement in elementary school that Fidel Castro is a god
and to hate Americans, to adore the image of Lenin to love the Russians
and now in the technical school where I was studying, before being
expelled, after so much time of them them teaching me that they taught
me I have to hate the Russians now. This is what is being taught in class
- I do not understand these communists. And because of so many other
injustices that they have committed against me and other unfortunate
people that have not known the true feeling of being free and of being
able to express what one feels in a country where Human Rights are
violated.
Father, I
only ask one thing of you, to help my mother whom I love dearly, help her
in whatever way you can, and have faith in me that I will never betray our
cause. Always remember me father, since I was a small boy I was always at
your side. Thank you Papá, for teaching me so many things which helped me
through life. If I fail, I will not regret what I have done, and I would
like to make this very clear for you and for the world - Papá, I rather
die than continue living in a country where peoples' rights are violated.
Hugs and
greetings to Chavel, Lisi, Cacha, and my little brother Karell whom I love
very much.
Greetings
to the following members of the Prisoners Club, whom are very worthy of
the position they occupy: to Ferdinando, Luis Torres, Luís Díaz, Abad,
Eusebi and all of those that fight for Freedom.
I love you,
Your
son Alberto loves you.
This
letter in and of itself speaks volumes of this young man, a victim of the
repressive system of a totalitarian and militaristic regime such as the
one imposed on Cuba by the autocrat Fidel Castro, whom manipulates the
human mind and deprives man of his fundamental rights. Just as this young
man, hundreds of young people risk their lives in search of the Freedom so
desired by all Cubans.
Imprisoned
in this Department of Operations, Albert will suffer psycological torture
and abuse for the sole reason of wanting to be free and for being the son
of a patriot whom fearlessly confronts the dictator Fidel Castro.
Reported,
Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in Guantánamo of the Democratic
Party 30th of November "Frank País”. To the Information Bridge Cuba
Miami. Given on the 26th of November, 2001.
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Former Official of the National Revolutionary
Police tries to take his life.
www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/noticias/html
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 24, 2001) - Síxto de la Torre,
a 34 year old man, natural of Baracoa, Guantánamo and a former official of
the Criminal Department of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) tried to
kill himself while serving an 8 year sentence in the prison Combinado of
Guantánamo. On several occasions, Sixto has requested of the chief of department, Armando Dominguez, to get him medical help for his condition and it has been denied. Acts such as these are evidence of the cruel and inhumane treatment of the dictator Fidel Castro's prisoners. By Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in Guantánamo of the Democratic Party 30 of November "Frank País". To the Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 26, 2001.
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Member of peaceful
opposition detained for trying to reach The Guantánamo Base
www.puenteinfocubamiami/org/noticias/html (GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 21,2001) - The 31 year old member of the peaceful opposition, Alexander Lobaina Jiménez, resident of Calle Martí Number 365 and /5 and 6 Norte, Guantánamo, is presently detained in the Department of Operations of the State Security after a failed attempt to reach the (United States) Naval Base in Guantánamo. He was accompanied by 17 year old Alberto Martínez Martínez. On April of 1996, Lobaina Jiménez was caught trying to enter the Naval Base to seek political asylum. He was held there until July 12, 1996 when he was repatriated to Cuba. On January 8th, 1997 he tried to get to the Base once again, he was caught... again, and was repatriated on the 21st of January. Due to his close ties with the peaceful opposition this young man is constantly harassed, pursued, abused and under surveillance by the Department of State Security. On several occasions he has been detained without have committed any crime, so much so, that his case has been brought to the attention of the International Public Opinion several times. This kind of life has caused a total state of psychological depression in his young wife and five year old son. After being denied a refugee visa, (he is registered with the number CU 36494) facing a life of constant harassment as well as the fear of being sent to prison is what made him decide to get to the Naval Base and once there request political asylum. He took with him the documents needed to prove the pressure he was under. Now he is behind bars in this torturous place, where the most severe and unscrupulous methods, characteristic of communist regimes, are enforced. He will be tried in a Tribunal that will condemn him to at least 5 years of prison. However, On page 4 of the official press of the Communist Party, GRANMA, dated December 14th of 2000, an article reads, "nobody is forced to live where he or she doesn't want to be", and the article continues on to accuse the United States Government for being responsible for the so called criminal Law of "Ajuste Cubano" (Cuban Adjustment Act). Nonetheless, immigration is a universal right, the hypocritical Cuban Government says it's not opposed to immigration, however they do violate the human rights of those who try to exert that right. Reported, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in Guantánamo of the Democratic Party November 30 “Frank País”. For The Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 26, 2001. Dado el 26 de noviembre del 2001.
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Medical attention denied to prisoner in Combinado of Guantánamo.
(GUANTÁNAMO,CUBA, November 20, 2001)– Omar Cabrera Bueno,
a common prisoner, in the provincial prison of Combinado of Guantánamo
suffers with strong pains from two swollen glands since
the month of January. The proper medical
procedure in a case such as this should be the immediate
removal of these glands, as they could become
dangerous tumors with ramifications, that can put in jeopardy the
patient’s life, but such attention is denied to this prisoner.
In reiterated occasions, Omar Cabrera Bueno has brought this matter to the
attention of re-educator Arnaldo Domínguez Vega, complaining of severe
pain- “this is none of my business, I am occupied with more important
matters”-the re educator replies.
Omar has not received medical attention to date; the pain is sharper and
more frequent. He is living proof of the cruel and inhumane treatment
perpetrated against the prisoners at Combinado of Guantánamo.
The political prisoner Julián Hernández who reports the denouncement
from the prison, declared that this criminal has openly
expressed his intentions of ending his own life because
he is at a point where he cannot tolerate the pain for much longer.
Reported, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in Guantánamo of the
Democratic Party November 30 “Frank Party.” For The Information Bridge
Cuba Miami. Given on November 26, 2001.
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Political Prisoner Returned to Section known as "Carril de la
Muerte" in Combinado of Guantánamo.
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 23, 2001) - Political prisoner and prisoner of
conscience Jorge Luís Larrazábal Zulueta was the object of physical and
emotional abuse by prison authorities in the Provincial Prison of
Combinado in Guantánamo.
On November 17th, while Prison officials kept Larrazábal Zulueta in the punishment section known as "Carril de la Muerte" (literally translates to death lane), official Ramón Jiménez, accompanied by two other officials broke everything inside Larrazábal Zulueta's cell including his personal belongings. Upon his return, Larrazábal Zulueta, denounced the above mentioned vandalism, and as a response he was insulted, pushed and beaten by the above mentioned official. Such action is characteristic of the repression against those that openly and peacefully oppose the totalitarian regime of the autocrat Fidel Castro. Larrazábal Zulueta was returned to the punishment section of the prison known as "Carril de la Muerte". Reported, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in Guantánamo, of the Democratic Party 30th of November "Frank País". To the Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 26, 2001.
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What the reporter does not know
By René Montes de Oca Martija
November 25, 2001
(Villa Clara, Cuba) - On October 10th, in a
press conference in Habana, a reporter stated that in his country there
are several ways of fighting against corruption.
Among the different ways he mentioned:
first, going out to the streets with a tray, water, soap and the flag, to
wash the country's symbol and to remove the stains by governmental
officials which have disgraced it. Second, getting bags of trash and
placing them at the doorsteps of governmental representatives. Third, the
shameful method. It consists of taking pictures of the corrupt officials
and placing them on the walls where his acts of corruption take place,
which are a demoralization to the government.
What this reporter does not know is the
consequences he would have suffered in Cuba had he carried out any of the
aforedescribed actions, he would be in prison, in exile, dead or beaten.
Of course he would not be able to practice
journalism and much less would he be able to travel freely to any
international gathering. The internal dissidence in Cuba can give
credence to this: the independent journalists, the human rights
activists, true Christians and their leaders.
René Montes de Oca Martija, Secretary
General of the Human Rights Party Affiliated with the Andrei Zajarov
Foundation, given by the Provincial Delegate in Villa Clara of said Party,
Eloína Díaz Ruiz, November 21, 2001.
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Prisoner Stabbed in Guantánamo's Combinado.
www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/noticias/html
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 15, 2001) – Last Tuesday, November 13th,
at 6:00 PM, Alexis Rodríguez Preval, 31 years old, was stabbed on Floor
3-A of the Provincial Prison of Guantánamo. He is serving a 13 year
prison sentence, charged with theft , the crime of slaughtering livestock
and the commercializing of meats, a crime which is viewed as an attempt
against the economy of the state.
This prisoner was stabbed several times and may loose his life, after
having been in a heated argument on a floor which he should not have been
on, being that Floor 3-A is for hardcore criminals.
As of this time, the cause of the argument is not known. The names of the
prisoners that stabbed him are unknown as are the reasons as to why Alexis
was on that floor to begin with and how is it possible that Alexis would
be on the same floor with hardcore criminals, while he, for that crime,
has served two sentences.
Reported, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in Guantánamo
of the "Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre "Frank País". To the
Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 16, 2001
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Department of State Security retaining notices from the US
Interests Section in Cuba
http://www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/noticias/html
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 15, 2001) - In a coercive measure, the
Department of State Security in this province is retaining appointment
letters from the United States Interests Section in Cuba that are
addressed to possible political refugees. This was the case
of ex-political prisoner Riquelme Leyva Piñón, The US Interest Section
sent him a letter dated September 24, 2001, and was received by him on the
8th of November, the date that he was scheduled to appear for his
interview.
Similarly, former political prisoner Enrique San Miyan, who was supposed
to appear at the Interests Section for his interview scheduled for the
29th of October, 2001, was given his letter three days prior, which makes
it impossible to obtain the documentation necessary to present before
the Interests Section and to get a ticket to go to the capital.
Reported from Guantánamo, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Guantánamo
Delegate of the "Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre "Frank País".
To the Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 16, 2001
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Medical attention is denied to
Political Prisoner Randy Cabrera Mayor.
www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/noticias/html
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 15, 2001) - Political prisoner Randy Cabrera Mayor, whom suffers from kidney stones and needs an ultrasound, is being victimized by the abuse of power and repression of penitentiary authorities of the Castro regime, in the prison here in Guantánamo. On November 6th, and under doctor's order, Randy should have been taken to the Provincial Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico to have an ultrasound. He was denied access to this medical assistance by Major Pablo Reyes Coba, chief of discipline of the Provincial Prison Combinado of Guantánamo. The medical test was postponed for the following day, but this henchman again impeded this political prisoner from having done the above mentioned procedure . As of this date he has not received the medical attention as prescribed by the doctor, according to Yesenia Rodríguez, wife of the prisoner.
Reported from Guantánamo, Ferdinando Castro
de Lardiller, Guantánamo Delegate of the "Partido Democrático 30 de
Noviembre "Frank País".
To the Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 16, 2001.
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Prisoner Brutally Beaten in Combinado
de Guantánamo Prison
www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/noticias/html (GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, November 15, 2001) - Prisoner Francisco Estevez Gómez, 27 years old, was brutally beaten by First Lieutenant Ramón Almaguer and many other prisoners, whom used batons to beat him until he fell unconscious on the floor where they continued to beat him. This method of brutal violence, characteristic of totalitarian regimes such as the one implanted in Cuba, is used to instil terror and to silence the people, as is the case of this prisoner whom stated his disagreement with the "round table" discussions saying that their purpose is to misinform the people and that this government manipulates the information and publishes only that which is to their advantage. As a consequence of saying this statement, he was beaten and his life is endangered.
Events such as these are very frequent in
this prison where human rights and dignity are no respected.
Reported from Guantánamo, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Guantánamo Delegate of the "Partido Democrático 30 de Noviembre "Frank País". To the Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 16, 2001.
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Peaceful Oppositionist Constinues to be Harassed
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA,
November 2, 2001) - The National Revolutionary Police (known as "PNR")
continue their constant harassment and persecution against the former
political prisoner Jorge Rafael Benítez Chuy, a resident at calle 5
oeste No. 1275, e/ 1 y 2 South in Guantánamo.
On October 31st, Benítez Chuy was fined
$1,200.00 mn (national currency), this time for refusing to attend an
informal citation of the Department of State Security (known as "DSE") in
this city.
The citation was issued by an Official of the PNR, whom
decided to incriminate Benítez Chuy in an act of vandalism whereby some
delinquents filled with human body waste, the porch of the head of the
defence committee of his vicinity. It was easier for the head of the
PNR to accuse the peaceful oppositionist than the actual criminals.
Reported from Guantánamo, Ferdinando Castro de
Lardiller, delegate in Guantánamo, of the Democratic Party November 30
“Frank País”. For The Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 2nd,
2001.
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Strong Wave of Repression in Havana
(HAVANA, CUBA, November 1 2001) –Members of the opposition are facing a new wave of repression in Havana. Many have been harassed and others still remain detained in the offices of the State Security. We are waiting for notification of the judicial process, which we will be subjected to – affirmed Antonio Esquiarroza González, National Coordinator of the Party Pro Human Rights of Cuba, affiliated to the Andrei Zajarov Foundation. Among the victims of this recent wave of repression they are: Leonardo Bruzón Avila, Juan Carlos Holes, Terrible Antonio Bela, Sergio Pérez, José Luis Rivera Cruz, Carlos Oquendo, Iovany Aguilar Camejo, Marcel Valenzuela Salt, Eddy Aguilar, José Aguilar. Reported from the Center of Information For Democracy, Antonio Esquiarroza González, National Coordinator of the Party Pro human rights of Cuba, affiliated to the Andrei Zajarov Foundation. For the Information Bridge Cuba Miami. Given on November 1, 2001.
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Three cadavers discovered near the Frontier
(GUANTÁNAMO, CUBA, October 30th,
2001) - In the morning hours of Thursday, October 25th, three
cadavers were found in a common grave on the grounds of a building which
was formerly used as a school for officers of the State Security, located
in “Laguna del Lobo”, and close to the border with the Guantánamo American
Naval Base.
This newly constructed school for officers of the State Security closed
its facilities more than one year ago due to the lack of structural
maintenance on the part of the government. The common grave is located at
some 500 meters from the building structure of the school.
Apparently, the sun evaporated the residual waters in this common grave,
therefore exposing, for all to witness, the three cadavers: those of two
men and one woman with long blond hair.
The three individuals had all of their garments on (chain, rings and
rings), eliminating any criminal motive for the deaths, which means that
these murders were committed by officials or members of the Cuban
repressive system, and these unfortunate people were most likely trying to
escape the Island by entering the American Base.
Dozens of mothers in Guantánamo have openly denounced the disappearance of
their children before government officials in Guantánamo, but their pleas
have not been answered, the government has maintained total silence in
this respect.
After this discovery, God only knows how many more cadavers will continue
to resurface under similar circumstances!
Reported from Guantánamo, Ferdinando Castro de Lardiller, Delegate in
Guantánamo of the PD-30-N “Frank País” . For The Information Bridge Cuba
Miami.
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| * | DR. OSCAR ELIAS BISCET Cuban Prisoner of Conscience November 3, 2001 will commemorate a second year that Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, prisoner of conscience and president of the humanitarian organization, Lawton Foundation for Human Rights, has been incarcerated in Cuba. Listed below is the repression Dr. Biscet has undergone since March of 1998 as an example of what all Cubans who demand basic human rights have suffered under the 42 year Cuban regime. 1. Unable to practice as a physician in his own country. Dr. Biscet was expelled from the Cuban National Health System for peacefully denouncing abortion techniques as a form of genocide, and for asking Cuban authorities to put an immediate stop to abortions at all obstetric/paediatric hospitals in the island. 2. Evicted from his home with his wife and adolescent son, having to depend on the charity of friends to survive. 3. Elsa Morejon, Dr. Biscet's wife and a nurse by profession, is presently unemployed due to her husband's human rights activities. Elsa was publicly attacked by the government-controlled mass media in the island that called her "wife of a counter-revolutionary chieftain…" and was again attacked at her husband's trial. She has received threatening and obscene phone calls at home, and Cuban authorities have demanded she pay unjustified fines for penalties never committed. 4. Cuban State Security has mistreated him physically through beatings. 5. Cuban State Security has tried to confine Dr. Biscet to a psychiatric hospital and has tortured him psychologically through threats, humiliations, blackmails, and intimidating interrogatories. 6. Cuban authorities have pressured him to leave Cuba. He has reiterated that he will never abandon his country. 7. Dr. Biscet has been arbitrarily incarcerated 26 times in 16 months since July 9, 1998 until November 3rd, 1999 in cells with no sunlight along with insane individuals and common criminals. When most of these detentions occurred his family was not informed of his whereabouts. 8. Went on trial on February 25, 2000 accused of common crimes and was sentence to three years in prison. 9. Was unexpectedly transferred to CUBA SI, a maximum security prison in Holguin province, approximately 450 miles ( 750 km.) East of Havana, away from his family. 10. Upon his arrival to CUBA SI Prison, Dr. Biscet was held down by 8 prison guards and forced to shave his head and beard, suffering severe cuts, which bled profusely. 11. He was denied access to the prison library for his unwillingness to participate in communist political activities. 12. Dr. Biscet was punished by prison authorities at CUBA SI during 42 days for carrying out a fast, asking freedom for all political prisoners and human rights for Cuba. He described his isolation cell to his family as a torture: dark, no running water, where he was fed such a deficient diet that he lost 20 pounds and several teeth. He was denied access to his bible, medical attention, and family visits. 13. Penal authorities are violating established prison code regulations as they deny Dr. Biscet all privileges granted to common prisoners at CUBA SI. 14. Dr. Biscet's mail is intercepted, read, and confiscated at CUBA SI prison. 15. He denounced to his family that due to the repressive hostile environment he finds himself in he fears for his life and highly distrusts the medical personnel at the prison facility. 16. He suffers a widespread severe fungal condition on his skin, and his teeth and gums need urgent attention by a dentist. 17. Prison authorities placed a paranoid schizophrenic inmate in his cubicle cell in April, 2001. 18. During these two years his bible has been taken away four times and, in spite of numerous official requests made by his family so that he receive spiritual assistance in prison, the Catholic Church has been allowed to visit him only once. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- We make the Cuban government responsible for the physical and mental well being of Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet and urgently ask all dignitaries of democratic nations, human rights, and health organizations, the international press and all men and women of good will to demand the unconditional and immediate release of this Cuban physician, whose only crime is to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in his own country. This is an urgent appeal to all entities and individuals in the world able to intercede in this case. All documented facts were obtained in the US through live testimonies from Cuba via telephone.E-mail: LAWTON1997@aol.com |
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