As it was the case under General Pinochet in Chile, General Jaruzelski in Poland, or Marcos in the Philippines, Cuba’s democratic activists seek a democratic transition to freedom. While Fidel Castro claims they are “scum,” “worms” and “traitors to the motherland” many world leaders have asked him to release political prisoners and to allow a transition to democracy and the rule of law.
During his visit in 1998, Pope John Paul II asked that “Cuba open itself to the world,” and that “the world open itself to Cuba.” Much of the international community has indeed responded to the Pope’s call to end Cuba’s isolation, to the benefit of the Castro government. But as the Vatican has pointed out “Cuba is not opening to the world, as the Pope requested.” He asked Cubans not to be afraid, and “to be the protagonists of your own history”
During the Ibero-Americas Summit of 1999, held in Havana, several heads of state, and foreign ministers met with Cuba’s courageous human rights leaders.
What can you do?
Please, lend your voice to the cries for help of the Cuban people.
Participate in Amnesty International’s Urgent Action Appeals” urging the release of Castro’s captives.
Ask your priest, pastor, or rabbi to include prayers for the release of specific Cuban political prisoners, as well as the release of all political prisoners on the island and in the world, in this week’s religious services.
Write your Congressman and Senators to request they also participate in Amnesty International’s petitions on behalf of Cuban political prisoners. Please send them a copy of the Amnesty appeals we reproduce here.
Write a brief letter to your newspaper urging readers to write to Fidel Castro/ Havana, Cuba asking for the release of all Cuban political prisoners.
If you participate in any of these efforts please let us know. We love to hear from you.