(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the 23 June 2004 release of Roberto de Miranda Hernández on health grounds. However, PEN remains concerned that his release is conditional and means that Miranda, aged 59, could still be returned to prison. A librarian and vice-president of the unofficial Teachers College of Cuba (Colegio de […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the 23 June 2004 release of Roberto de Miranda Hernández on health grounds. However, PEN remains concerned that his release is conditional and means that Miranda, aged 59, could still be returned to prison.
A librarian and vice-president of the unofficial Teachers College of Cuba (Colegio de Pedagogos de Cuba), Miranda was arrested in March 2003 and sentenced the following month to 20 years’ imprisonment under Article 91 (“acts against the independence or territorial integrity of the state”). While serving his prison term, he was transferred briefly to a hospital for treatment of a heart problem. He also suffers from high blood pressure and kidney problems, among other ailments.
Miranda’s release, which was only confirmed by International PEN on 6 August 2004, brings to five the number of journalists or librarians sentenced in the March and April 2003 clampdown to have been freed. Another 30 remain in prison.
Details of the WiPC Cuba Campaign (19 July -15 August) can be found at: http://www.pen.org/freedom/cuba2004.htm
