Martha Beatriz Roque Letter Says Threats Continue

This is a May 11 letter from Martha Beatriz Roque obtained by Miami's Cuban Connection:

"As you well know, due to the state of my health, I am on a leave from prison issued on July 22, 2004, for cause No. 12/2003 of the TPP City of Havana, for the crime of "Acts against the independence and territorial integrity of the State."

During more than 9 months, I have suffered acts of repudiation, that have continued increasing, to the point that there are people standing permanently in the hallways of the building where I reside, insulting  me, harassing me, and, this past April 25,   I was brutally beaten when they impeded me from leaving my home. It is impossible to explain to you in such a short space the vexation, the insults, the acts of bodily harm and the humiliations that I have received.

When I was given the document granting my leave from prison, I was in the State Security Wing of the Carlos J. Finlay Military Hospital and there were 3 officials present, one from the Directorship of Jails and Prisons, and two from State Security. Before giving me the document that stated that I was being granted the leave, I asked these officials what limitations this new status implied. In particular, one official by the name of Aguila, whom I know from Villa Marista, responded: "You can do whatever you want, except step on the grass". At no time would I have accepted to leave the prison if I had been informed of any political or personal restrictions.

Yesterday, May 10, I received a new warning from the "Rapid Response Brigade" that is stationed by my home, who literally told me: "Just to warn you, on May 20 you cannot leave your home, we will not allow it. And you can also forget about receiving any more packages, we are not going to allow any more little boxes to enter your home."

As you can well see from this brief account, the manner in which the government wants me to live my life is unbearable, and at no time do I believe that these are representatives of the "inflamed people", as they try to make it seem. On the contrary, I know that they are people that act with the consent and approval of the government, who directs them.

After this brief explanation, I ask you to represent me before the Ministers of Justice and Interior, requesting that this state of harassment cease, that it can bring about the grave consequence of the loss of my life. If I do not receive a positive response, I authorize you to immediately begin working to achieve the cessation of my current status of leave, and my return to the penitentiary establishment where I will fulfill my sentence of 20 years of privation of freedom.

I must make clear that since the last threat is linked to May 20, this work must occur as quickly as possible and I would await the response until May 18. On the following day I will use the liberties that my condition as a dissident has granted me.

Thanking you in advance for your attention to this matter, and informing you that I will make this letter public, I remain,

Respectfully,

Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello"

Comments

[lou dobbs]

Why is this woman in prison in the first place?

[gringo]

que lastima. would somebody please get this poor woman the name of orlando bosch's attorneys.

[a thought....]

This one should be emailed directly to all those Castro apologists who claim there is nothing wrong with Cuba, starting with that moron Sundiata Ojeda. Oh, yeah, lots of free speech in Cuba. As long as you don't leave your house. I repeat: If it's so wonderful in Cuba and so ideal, why don't you live there?

[luis martin]

This is a very noble woman who deserves our respect and attention.

When will we as Cuban-American's in this country put our differences aside, as Jose Marti would have done, to get together, work together and speak with ONE UNITED VOICE, to drive fidel and his cronies out?

We have more in common than we think. We need to be supportive of Martha Roque, Oswaldo Payá, the ladies in white and Dr. Biscet and all the other groups in Cuba pressing for change.

Example,

I sent an email last week asking a certain blogger for advice in organizing a counter protest for a march being held here in Los Angeles in support of fidel on May 20th. Did I get a response? No. But I did get the text of the protest listed on his web/blog site.

Cubans on the island need help to organize themselves, and we can't even do it here.

Very shamefull

[luis martin]

Some groups we as Cuban-Americans can get in touch with:

Cuban Reflection Movement;
Cuban Youth for Democracy Movement;
Pedro Luis Boitel National Civic Resistance Movement;
National Council for Civil Rights in Cuba;
Culture and Democracy Independent Institute;
The Peace, Love and Freedom Party;
Boletín el Camagúeyano - Agenicia camagüeyana de prensa "El Mayor";
Organización de Artes pláticas - Proyecto Espacio Interior;
Asociación Nacional de balseros: Paz democracia y Libertad

These groups are listed on:
DIRECTORIO'S WEBSITE

http://www.directorio.org/index.htm

[lou dobbs]

Luis wrote: I sent an email last week asking a certain blogger for advice in organizing a counter protest for a march being held here in Los Angeles in support of fidel on May 20th. Did I get a response? No. But I did get the text of the protest listed on his web/blog site.

Cubans on the island need help to organize themselves, and we can't even do it here.

Very shamefull

I suspect the blogger in question was either Val or Conductor. First, be a man post their names dont say "a certain blogger." As i would enjoy exposing them for the Cuban pimps that they are. Since, you live in la, you must not be aware that those two Cubans dont care about the island. They are much more interested in slamming democrats and making money off their ventures. If Cuba was freed tomorrow, i doubt if they would even want to move back there. In fact, many of the cuban exiles would have to scramble to find new ways to earn a living. The Cuban exiles like Val and Conductors are transparent phonies. It will be Cubans like you and Oscar, who bring freedom for Cuba, before Val and Conductor. Val and Conductor are only interested in calling people commies, censoring free speech, and making money from the misery from the sorry plight of the Cubans. Yes, you are correct it is truly shameful.

[luis martin]

I know who it was, and so does that person. It's not up to me to disclose that info, but if that person feels like they should, then it's up to them not me.

[fat boy john aka lou dobbs]

Why would you protect that rat-face Cuban for then. I know it is one of the two, or else you would have denied my accusation. Now hand over that cowardly imposters name. I want to sharpen my observations. Actually, i think it was Val, because it seems as if that is something that sniveling piece of poop would do. Since, i have been here, all he has ever done is call people commies. Nothing constructive. I saw you compliment Val. I dont know why, all Val has ever done was run around calling people commies. Val you are a piece of poop. Always have been, always will be. When your mom had you, she said to the doctor, Sweet Jesus, i just delievered a piece of poop.

[luis martin]

Why do I protect others? Because I'd like to think that I have dignity and integrity.

LET'S NOT STRAY AWAY FROM THE TOPIC.

THIS IS NOT A WHY DO I PROTECT PEOPLE POST.

THIS IS ABOUT Martha Beatriz Roque AND THOSE WHO NEED OUR HELP IN CUBA.

[fat boy john aka lou dobbs]

Dont raise your voice at me first off. Second, but more importantly, the fact that this woman is getting no help from Cuban exiles should be discussed. It is not enough to say oh poor woman, lets feel sorry for her, and move on to the next jailed Cuban. Hell, if that the case than Oscar might as well post 100 articles about jailed political prisoners so we can all say oh poor Cuban. The article and topic is important. But, what is more important is the indifference from the Cuban exile community WHICH YOU BROUGHT UP not me. So you just keep your mouth shut with my post and my observations, and about WHAT I THINK. There are other issues that can be discussed, other than just the one staring you in your narrow-minded world. Dont take me on boy, you are not smart enough!!

[luis martin]

fat boy john aka lou dobbs,

Dude, your so useless, if you really want to help the cause, go jump off a cliff. You see, you keep changing the subject matter and go off like a little kid just to get attention. People like you are absolutly useless. You need to find a meaningfull purpose to your life or just kill yourself, and let those who have a stake in this matter try to resolve it for what it is.

simpley... EITHER START GIVING LOGICAL SUGGESTIONS OR SHUT THE FUCK UP. AKA GO JUMP OF A CLIFF AKA GO KILL YOURSELF. ONE LESS DUMB FUCKER ON EARTH.

P.S.
have a good day

[luis martin]

to everyone else besides fat boy john aka lou dobbs, sorry for sounding so stupid, but sometimes you have to take it down to a level where people like fat boy john aka lou dobbs can understand.

Back to the topic at hand....
Martha Beatriz Roque

[fat boy john aka lou dobbs]

Excuse me, but just who are in the hell do you think you are. You have been here for exactly one week, and you think you are the boss over the Cuban Connection. I dont need attention, i post here for self-validation about my views on Cuban issues. Cuban silence validates them. I have a life, i am a research student. I study at my computer, so i am always here at the screen. As a democrat who resides in Miami, i also have a stake in freedom for Cuba. I want a free Cuba, so the Cuban exile can release their hands around my nations throat. You wrote: Cubans on the island need help to organize themselves, and we can't even do it here.
Luis, you are frustrated because Cuban exiles dont seem to be providing support to the Cubans on the island. You think the only issue in this article is the womans suffering. I think the issue in this article is why she has no Cubans in Miami fighting for her. Its a classic half-empty half-full article. So dont try to push your half-full analysis in my face and say that is the only issue that can be discussed from this article. I think you raised an important issue when you said where is the help from the Cuban exile community. Then i said i wanted that name of who didnt even bother to email you to start some type of support for her. The names "Val or Conductor" who are always the first to yell in here about someone being a commie, should be held accountable if they are shrugging their shoulders over this lady. After all, Val was bragging in here how he got petitions together against a group he accused of being commies. The last time i was in Val's site, he was running around whining about how he was a spaniard, and not really Cuban. And, how he was tired of people calling him a Cuban. So in the future if you dont want me to make a comment about your post, than keep to yourself. But, dont post about your frustration about the indifference from the Miami Cuban community and expect me to look the other way. As far as giving logical suggestions, you have often commended me about my valid points. So you are contradicting yourself all over this blog. And as far as taking it down to my level. Well, if your that big and bad, then come on down to Miami!! I will meet you right on the steps of American Airlines Arena. Then we can have a face to face discussion, about any subject you choose. If you think that im gonna let you come in here and boss me around, and my girlfriend "a thought" around then you are sorely mistaken. So bring yer fat ass on down here boy!!

nuff said,

P.S.
a thought, i defended your honor again sugah, i defended it, i defended it

[luis martin]

I'm going to respond without even reading your crap, cause it's just that. CRAP

Homie, you know what you can do with yourself.

Like a dumb fucker, your going to respond, and that's cool.

But I've had my fun with you and now it's back to business.

Chow

What a waste of a human life. DROP DEAD

[fat boy john aka lou dobbs]

luis martin wrote: Like a dumb fucker, your going to respond, and that's cool.

Yup, i got the last word penishead!!

[luis martin]

BIOGRAPHY OF MARTHA BEATRIZ ROQUE CABELLO

Martha Beatriz was born in Havana on May 16, 1945 and graduated with a major in Economics in 1976. She is director of the Cuban Institute of Independent Economists, an organization that promotes free access to information regarding Cuba’s social and economic situation.

As a member of the Work Group of the Internal Dissidence – also called the Group of Four – she was one of the authors of the documents “The Homeland Belongs to All”, which caused her to be arrested and later sentenced to three and one half years in prison. She was set free after completing her sentence in May 2000.

Martha Beatriz continued to work endlessly to promote democracy, human rights and free access to information.

Under her leadership in 2001, the Cuban Institute of Independent Economists opened a website publishing the first free pages from Cuba in the international web.

She was one of the founders and leaders of The Assembly to Promote Civil Society in Cuba, (a coalition that groups together more than 350 organizations of the Cuban civil society).

In 2002, she received the “Heinz R. Pagels” Human Rights Award for Scientists, given by the Academy of Science of New York. The Castro regime did not allow her to travel abroad to attend the awards ceremony, which took place in New York in September of the same year.

Martha Beatriz did not stop in her quest through civic, non-violent means to restore democracy in Cuba through The Assembly to Promote Civil Society.

On March 11, 2003, Martha Beatriz started a fast for the freedom of Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet and all the other political Cuban prisoners. She was arrested for the second time on March 18 and held at state security headquarters in Villa Marista while pending charges. Martha Beatriz was condemned to 20 years in prison for exercising her right to free speech.

At present, her health is in critical condition at the women’s jail of Manto Negro in Havana, Cuba. Her life is in imminent danger.


********************************************

Miami, Florida, 22 de julio del 2004 – En conversación telefónica, Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, quien fuera sentenciada arbitrariamente por el régimen totalitario de Fidel Castro y puesta en libertad en el día de hoy reafirmo su compromiso a través de las siguientes palabras que le dijo al Teniente Coronel Perdomo al ser excarcelada: “Me voy en libertad sin condiciones. Yo soy disidente y voy a seguir siendo disidente”.

Martha Beatriz nos pidió que le hiciéramos llegar su gratitud a todas las personas en el Exilio y en el mundo entero que hicieron algo por ella, agregando que ha sido precisamente el esfuerzo del Exilio y de la comunidad internacional los que han hecho posible su libertad.

Martha Beatriz pidió que continuemos todos elevando nuestras voces y ejerciendo presiones por la libertad inmediata e incondicional de todos los prisioneros políticos cubanos.

Para mayor información: (305) 361-6800
o su Sitio de Internet: www.marthabeatriz.info

[luis martin]

PLEASE DENOUNCE THE INHUMANE CONDITIONS OF HER IMPRISONMENT AND DEMAND HER IMMEDIATE RELEASE BY WRITING OR CALLING:


AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

SECRETARíA INTERNACIONAL

Web site: www.amnesty.org
Teléfono: +44-20-74135500
Número de Fax:+44-20-79561157
Dirección: 1 Easton Street
London
WC1X 0DW, UK
Estados Unidos:
Web site: www.amnestyusa.org
Teléfono: +1 212 807 8400
Número de Fax: +1 212 463 9193\1 212 627 1451
Dirección: 322 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Email: admin-us@aiusa.org

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
http://www.europarl.eu.int/opengov/default_es.htm
Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament
Rue Wiertz, PHS 11B11
B - 1047 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: 0032 2 284 53 63
Fax: 0032 2 284 93 63; E-mail: pcox@europarl.eu.int

HUMAN RIGHTS WACHT
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor
New York, NY 10118-3299 USA
Tel: 1-(212) 290-4700, Fax: 1-(212) 736-1300; hrwnyc@hrw.org
1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500
Washington, DC 20009 USA
Tel:1-(202) 612-4321, Fax:1-(202) 612-4333; hrwdc@hrw.org
2nd Floor, 2-12 Pentonville Road
London N1 9HF, UK
Tel: 44 20 7713 1995, Fax: 44 20 7713 1800; hrwuk@hrw.org

INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS
ICRC Regional Delegation
2100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 545
WASHINGTON D.C. 20037 / United States
E-mail: washington.was@icrc.org
ICRC Regional Delegation
Calderón de la Barca No. 210, Colonia Polanco
Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, MEXICO C.P.11550 / Mexico
E-mail: email.mex@icrc.org
(covers Mexico, Guatemala (bureau), Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua (centre ortho - FSH), Panama, El Salvador, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti (mission)

COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALIST
330 7TH AVENUE, 12TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10001
TELEPHONE: 212 465 1004
FAX 212 465 9568
americas@cpj.org

REPORTEROS SIN FRONTERAS/
Reporters sans frontières/ Reporters Without Borders
5, rue Geoffroy-Marie
75009 Paris - France Tel. 33 1 44 83 84 84
Fax. 33 1 45 23 11 51 E-mail : rsf@rsf.org
Web : www.rsf.org

Felipe Pérez Roque
Calzada # 360 esq. G, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
Telephone # 011-537-55-3537
Fax # 011-537-33-3460

Si está interesado a informar a las organizaciones siguientes, encontrará las direcciones exactas en sus sites Internet:
AI - Amnistía Internacional
Human Rights Watch
FIDH - Federación Internacional de Ligas de Derechos Humanos

Para los casos de tortura:
OMCT - Organización Mundial contra la Tortura
APT - Asociación de Prevención contra la Tortura ACAT- Action des Chrétiens pour l'Abolition de la Torture

Para los casos que impliquen prisoneros:
OIP - Observatorio Internacional de los centros penitenciarios

Para los casos que impliquen amenazas a abogados o jueces:
CIJ - Comisión Internacional de Juristas

Para los casos que impliquen amenazas a parlamentarios:
UIP - Unión InterParlamentaria

Para los casos que impliquen situaciones de trabajo infantil o esclavitud:
OIT - Organización Internacional del Trabajo

FORMACION EN DERECHOS HUMANOS

Universidad de verano de Derechos Humanos y Derecho al Educación
Universidad de verano de Derechos Humanos organizada en los meses de julio y agosto en Ginebra.

CODAP/CAJDH - Comité de Apoyo para jóvenes sobre Derechos Humanos
Organiza cursos de formación en Derechos Humanos para los jóvenes y particularmente un excelente curso de formación de base sobre los Derechos Humanos en el mes de marzo en Ginebra (reservado para menores de 26 años).

EIP - Escuela Internacional de la Paz
Organiza cursos educativos sobre Derechos Humanos para docentes.

Curso de Formación en Ginebra sobre Derechos Humanos Internacionales y Diplomacia
Curso de formación sobre derechos humanos organizado en el mes de marzo por el Servicio Internacional de Derechos Humanos. Telf: (41 22) 733 51 23.

PRINCIPALES ONGs RELACIONADAS CON LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS PRESENTES EN GINEBRA.

AI - Amnistía Internacional

APT - Asociación de Prevención contra la Tortura

OMCT - Organización Mundial contra la Tortura

CIJ - Comisión Internacional de Juristas / Centro para la Independencía de los Jueces

Officio de los Naciones Unidos del Quaker

Coalición contra el uso de niños como soldados

Defensa de los Niños Internacional

DoCip/CDPA - Centro de Documentación sobre los Pueblos Autóctonos

SIDH - Servicio Internacional sobre los Derechos Humanos
Telf. (41 22) 733 51 23

FWCC - Comisión Mundial de Amigos para Consultación (cuáqeros)

FIDH - Federación Internacional de Ligas de Derechos Humanos
Dirección E-mail en Ginebra: fidh@worldcom.ch

IMADR - Movement International contre toutes les formes de Discrimination et de Racisme

CODAP/CAJDH - Comité de Apoyo para Jóvenes sobre Derechos Humanos

EIP - Escuela Instrumento de Paz

OIDEL - Organización Internacional para el Desarrollo de la Libertad de Cátedra

HURIDOCS/SIDDH -Sistema de Información y Documentación sobre Derechos Humanos

Centro Europa-Tercer Mundo

Communauté Internationale Bahaie

Servicio de Información contra el Racismo

Franciscans Internaciónal

IMADR Movimiento Internacional Contra Toda Forma de Discriminación y Racismo

Organization Mundial contra la Tortura

VWI - Vision Mundial Internacional

DERECHOS DEL NIÑO/A

Asociación Internacional de Psicología Escolar

Casa Alianza/Covenant House Latino América

Grupo de ONGs por la Convención relativa a los derechos del niño
mailto: dci-ngo.group@pingnet.ch

Coalición contra el uso de niños como soldados

DCI - Defensa para los Niños/as Internacional

Enfants du Monde

UNICEF - Fondo de Naciones Unidas para la Infancia

Comité sobre los Derechos del niño/a (UNO)

Convención sobre los Derechos de los niños/as

ILO IPEC -Programa Internacional sobre la Eliminación del trabajo de menores

UNICEF - Instituto Innocenti

CRIN - Red de Información sobre Derechos del niño/a

PLAN Internacional

Punto Focal Contra la Explotación Sexual de Menores

Foundación Step

Salvar a los niños/as International

Tierra de los Hombres

Fundación Mundial por la Dignidad de los Menores

DERECHOS DE LA MUJER

Fundación Cumbre Mundial de las Mujeres

UNIFEM/FDNUM - Fondo de Desarrollo de Naciones Unidas para las mujeres

CEDAW - Convención sobre la Eliminación de todas las Formas de Discriminación contra las Mujeres

CSW - Comisión sobre el Estatus de la Mujer

UN Puerta de Internet sobre el Avance y Empobrecimiento de las Mujeres

ADF / SARW - Organización Suiza por los Derechos de las Mujeres

Flamme

IAW - Alianza Internacional de las Mujeres

ICJW - Consejo Internacional de Mujeres Judías

NGO Coordinación de Mujeres por el Seguimiento de Beijing

SI - Soroptimist Internacional

WILPF - Liga Internacional de Mujeres por la Paz y la Libertad

Organización de Mujeres de desarrollo y Medio Ambiente

ZONTA

Mujeres en el Desarrollo en Europe WIDE

MINORIAS Y DERECHOS COLECTIVOS

Declaración sobre los Derechos de Personas Pertenecientes a Minorías Nacionales o Etnicas, Religiosas o Linguísticas

Minority Rights Group International

Portal para la promoción y protección de los derochos de los migrantes

OTROS SITES DE INFORMACIÓN SOBRE DERECHOS HUMANOS

AAAS/DRDHI - Directorio de Recursos sobre Derechos Humanos en Internet

Afronet

Anti-Slavery International

Biblioteca de Derechos Humanos
Biblioteca de Derechos Humanos de la Universidad de Minnesota

Centro Internacional de Derechos de la persona y de Desarrollo Democrático

Centro de Recursos Eletrónicos para la Educación en Derechos Humanos

Comité de Abogados para los Derechos Humanos

Congreso de Mujeres de Kyrgyzstan

Derechos

Federación Internacional de Trabajadores Sociales

FWCC - Comisión Mundial de Amigos para Consultación (cuáqeros)

IMADR - Movimiento de Internet contra todas formas de Discriminación y Racismo

Guía Concisa sobre derechos humanos en Internet

Derechos Humanos Internet

Human Rights Watch

ICARE - Centro de Internet de Europa Anti-Racismo

La página Web de los Derechos Humanos

Organization Mundial contra la Tortura

VWI - Vision Mundial Internacional

International Council on Human Rights

[fat boy john aka lou dobbs]

Ok, now what will the Cuban exiles do? Seriously folks, now what? What is Mel Martinez saying about this? This morning i saw him talking about Mexican civil rights in America last week? I wonder if he will illuminate this womans plight. Or will he continue to fight for Mexicans civil rights. What will Val and Conductor do? Will they organize for this woman? Or will they continue to ignore your email request for assistance for her? What can they do? Will George W. Bush, say something to the nation about this. Oh, i forgot, tomorrow he is addressing the nation about his determination to stop immigration to America to satisfy the conservative base who are becoming alarmed by the Hispanicanization of America. I guess what im trying to say to you Mr. Martin, is that the only people who truly cares about this situation is you, Oscar,Martha, and of course me. Val and Conductor only care about calling people commie bastards. That is why their silence has been defeaning. There is nobody to run around to call commie bastards.

[luis martin]

Sobre la actitud del Ministro de Cultura de Cuba ante la reciente agresión a Martha Beatriz Roque y la supuesta vergüenza que sintió, digo que ese funcionario cubano no tiene ninguna.

Si el señor Abel Prieto sintiera la más mínima ver- güenza por esos hechos, tendría que haber renunciado hace muchos años. En realidad nunca debió aceptar el cargo, porque también guardó absoluto silencio cuando tantos intelectuales cubanos han poblado las cárceles o tenido que aceptar el exilio como única vía de mantenerse vivos y poder practicar su arte. ¿Por qué guarda silencio cuando cientos de periodistas en Cuba están condenados al ostracismo y son constantemente acosados por las turbas, que el señor Prieto bien sabe que existen? ¿Cuando intelectuales cubanos de todas las manifestaciones, pintores, escritores, artistas en general son condenados a no manifestarse y permanecer muchos sin trabajar porque sus distintas obras dañan la cara del gobierno al que tan servilmente sirve el señor ministro?

Abel Prieto es igual de culpable de la situación del pueblo de Cuba que el guardia que patea al disidente dentro de la cárcel, el que golpeó la cara de Martha Beatriz o el que vigila a Payá y le niega la visa para salir del país. Si tuviera la dignidad de nuestros disidentes, por no hablar de los intelectuales que han enriquecido la cultura cubana, debería comprar una buena espada en Japón y hacerse el harakiri en la puerta de su ministerio.

Mario Marrero

Miami