Open letter from Armando Betancourt | Directorio Democrático Cubano

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Open letter from Armando Betancourt
By Armando Betancourt

Camaguey, June 9, 2006

Provincial Preventative Prison “Ceramica Roja”

OPEN LETTER

I, Armando Betancourt Reina, an independent journalist of Camaguey, am greatly thankful for the support I have received by international organizations, especially the exile organization Cuban Democratic Directorate, as well as the internal opposition, from the day I was first detained by Castro’s authorities while I was in the middle of my journalistic labors, covering the massive injustice of unwarranted evictions in a district in my city.

Since I have never before been incarcerated, I confess that I have experienced pain and delight simultaneously. Pain for having to submit to the injustice of my arbitrary detention and abominable and sly manipulation on the part of State Security. And joy, because at no moment have I felt alone. I do not feel important, I just feel protected by those who have raised their voices in condemnation of my arrest and have been heard throughout the world. Also, in prison, I have had the support, brotherhood, and experience of courageous men like René Montes de Oca and Francisco Pacheco Espinosa who are in the same cell block.

I reiterate my gratitude on behalf of Montes de Oca and Pacheco who also feel supported by international organizations in exile and especially by Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello.

I also count on the solidarity and respect from many common prisoners who understand my noble cause and share our ideals.

I think this is a victory for an imprisoned dissident, because unjust imprisonment strengthens men of peace.

God bless you,

Armando Betancourt Reina

Independent Journalist

Political Prisoner

Francisco Pacheco Espinosa

Delegate of the Pro Human Rights Party

(afiliated to the Andrei Sajarov Foundation)

Political Prisoner

René Montes de Oca

President of the Pro Human Rights Party