World Blind Union Asks Cuban Government to Protect Blind Prisoner
Following is the letter of the World Blind Union, addressed to the Foreign Minister of Cuba, requesting the protection and safety of a blind man imprisoned after participating in a public demonstration.
Dear Minister Felipe Perez Roque:
DETENTION OF JUAN CARLOS GONZALEZ-LEIVA
The World Blind Union (WBU) hereby expresses its deep concern for the wellbeing of Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Leiva, a blind man imprisoned in Cuba.
It is reported that on 5 March Sr Gonzalez-Leiva participated in a public demonstration during which he was forcibly arrested. We are further informed that he remains in detention and that a hunger strike has left him in poor physical condition. There is also fear for his safety because of the aggressive behavior of his cellmate.
The purpose of this letter is not to take political issue with the Cuban Government, but to intervene in the interest of a blind person who is being subjected to harsh treatment. Sr Gonzalez-Leiva is the President of the Brotherhood of the Independent Blind People of Cuba and it is the responsibility of the WBU to speak out whenever any blind person anywhere suffers undue hardship. We therefore appeal to the Cuban Government to release our colleague without further delay or penalty.
Cuba is one of over 160 member countries of the World Blind Union and it happens that the next meeting of our Officers is due to take place in your country during September. It is therefore very necessary that this matter be resolved speedily without further incident. The WBU is the sole voice speaking on behalf of 180 million blind people in the world.
Yours respectfully
Kicki Nordström
WBU PRESIDENT
William Rowland
WBU SPOKESPERSON ON HUMAN RIGHTS
|
