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FAMILY DENOUNCES CUBAN POLITICAL PRISONER’S DETERIORATING HEALTH CONDITION
By Cuban Democratic Directorate

FAMILY DENOUNCES CUBAN POLITICAL PRISONER’S DETERIORATING HEALTH CONDITION

 

 

The family members of Jose Gabriel Ramon Castillo (Pepín) give a public plea for their relative’s release from prison on account of his critical health condition. Pepin was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, and is in grave health state, which the appalling prison conditions would only make worse. He is currently serving 20-year prison sentence as one of the 75 Cuban prisoners of conscience arrested in March, 2003.

 

Below, please see his family’s declaration.

 

Santiago de Cuba, September 15, 2005

DECLARATION OF THE FAMILY OF JOSE GABRIEL RAMON CASTILLO, PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE, REGARDING HIS DETERIORATING HEALTH

Through this letter we would like to inform the Cuban community, international public opinion, and all people of good will about the current state of health of Cuban prisoner of conscience, José Gabriel Ramón Castillo, condemned on April 2003 to 20 years in prison, which has worsened in the last few weeks.

After analyzing various exams in the Ambrosio Grillo General Hospital during a period of 20 days, the doctors of this entity have come to the conclusion that our beloved Jose Gabriel (Pepin) is the victim of cirrhosis of the liver.

 

Unfortunately we must add this recent illness to another from which he already suffers: arterial hypertension, chronic venous insufficiency, and seborrheic dermititis.

The new diagnosis has put the family in a state of uncertainty and desperation due to the seriousness of this illness and the terrible conditions he must face in prison. He was transferred to the prison in Santiago de Cuba on the night of the 14th, and he is now in the same cell where he was prior to his visit to the hospital.

Boniato, like every other prison in the country, lacks the minimal hygienic and sanitary conditions for a patient with these pathological characteristics. The water that the prisoners drink is infested with bacteria and parasites which promote constant outbreak of diseases as serious as hepatitis and gastroenteritis. As a result, Pepin acquired Hepatitis “B” 10 years ago, while he complied with his first sentence as a political prisoner.

We believe it was during this time that his hepatic condition began to develop, and has now become cirrhosis.

Regarding his nutrition, we can also ensure that, even if he was sent to the prison hospital, they would not be able to maintain the rigorous diet indicated by his doctor. This diet, which is vital to the treatment of patients with cirrhosis of the liver, demands nourishment based mostly on fruits, vegetables, and meats low in fat, as well as foods low in carbohydrates and sugar.

Since he is imprisoned under the above mentioned conditions, obviously, it is impossible to carry out the appropriate medical care, proper nutrition, and the peace and tranquility necessary to ameliorate the effects of cirrhosis of the liver and his other ailments. Thus, to keep him in prison would be an act of cruelty, as it would only accelerate his death.

This is why we are asking the Cuban government for his immediate freedom in order to save, and try to prolong his life.

We understand that the terrible situation which our Jose Gabriel suffers in a cold Cuban jail cell should not be left in silence. The world must be aware of the suffering of this man who is ill, and must comply with a 20-year prison sentence in the 21st century for exercising his right to work in favor of liberty and democracy for his nation.

We have confidence in the reaction this case will provoke in all people of good will and friendly to Cuba, and in all international organizations that defend human rights. We are aware of the enormous importance this has in order to reach our noble objective.

Blanca Rosa Echavarría Reoyo -------------- Wife                Lucy Esther Ramón Castillo ------ Sister

Karina Stefan Echavarría ------Adopted Daughter                Cecilia María Ramón Castillo ------ Sister

Olinda Hortensia Castillo Reytor ---------- Mother                Jorge Ramón Castillo ------------ Brother

 

 

 

 

 

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Directorio Democrático Cubano Cuban Democratic Directorate

 

Directorio Democrático Cubano
P.O. Box 110235
Hialeah, Florida 33011
Tel. 305-220-2713
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