(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN welcomes the news of the unexpected release on 19 October 2001 of Julia Cecilia Delgado, the director of the independent Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda library. Delgado was one of over two hundred people arrested in early December 2000, shortly before International Human Rights Day (10 December), in a bid to stop […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN welcomes the news of the unexpected release on 19 October 2001 of Julia Cecilia Delgado, the director of the independent Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda library.
Delgado was one of over two hundred people arrested in early December 2000, shortly before International Human Rights Day (10 December), in a bid to stop demonstrations marking the day. Most of the detainees were released. However, on 12 December, Delgado was sentenced to one-
year’s imprisonment for “disrespect”.
The librarian was sent to Manto Negro prison, where she staged a hunger-strike in protest against prison conditions. While in prison she suffered from a variety of ailments for which she was unable to get the necessary medication. It has been reported to PEN that since leaving prison her health has improved greatly.
Delgado, an honorary member of American, USA West, Perth and English PEN centres, was due to complete her sentence on 8 December. No reason has been given by the Cuban authorities for her early release.
International PEN notes that there are three prisoners serving sentences in Cuba for their writings – Bernardo Arevalo Padron, Vladimiro Roca Antúnez and José Orlando González Bridon.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– welcoming Delgado’s early release
– calling for the immediate release of Arevalo Padron, Roca Antúnez and González Bridon
Appeals To
His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruíz
President of Cuba
c/o Cuban Mission to the United Nations
New York, NY, USA
Fax: +1 212 779 1697Please send copies of any responses you might receive to the WiPC office.
