Monday, June 25, 2007

Release Dangerously Ill Cuban Prisoner

Release Dangerously Ill Cuban Prisoner

Jailed Cuban activist Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Paneque's health has
recently deteriorated seriously. Dr. Garcia Paneque was taken to a
hospital in Bayamo, Cuba in early June by prison doctors because he was
experiencing excruciating pain in his abdomen, and an ultrasound
revealed that he has a cyst on one of his kidneys. Prison authorities
say that surgery is required. Dr. Garcia Paneque's family fears that he
may not survive such an operation.

Dr. Garcia Paneque is a medical doctor and independent journalist from
the eastern province of Las Tunas, Cuba, who was arrested in March 2003
as part of a major crackdown on peaceful dissent in Cuba. He is serving
a 24-year sentence for his legitimate, non-violent activities. As we
reported last June, Dr. Garcia Paneque's health has been perilous for
over three years. He suffers from chronic diarrhea and poor intestinal
absorption, resulting in chronic malnutrition. His weight has dropped
by nearly half since his incarceration--from 190 lbs to an emaciated 110
lbs. He has not received proper medical treatment and has not been
allowed to consult with independent medical professionals.

Urge the Cuban authorities to release Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Paneque
immediately and unconditionally, and to provide him with adequate and
independent medical treatment as long as he remains in detention

Please visit the website below to add your voice:

http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Paneque2?qp_source=ga%5fadv

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