Miriam Leiva writes to Nadine Gordimer

Havana, February 16, 2010

Being deeply committed to the rights of your people in South Africa your  entire life, you are an example to all who strive for justice, understanding, reconciliation, freedom and democracy, especially us, women.  I understand that you are not simply visiting Cuba as a country, but all the Cuban people.

Reality in Cuban society and its problems is far from how it is shown officially.  I would appreciate your attention to the violations of the rights of expression, association, self-determination and of bringing about changes –although President Raul Castro has recognized their urgent need.

53 prisoners of conscience are still in very harsh prison conditions, part of the 75 taken in March 2003 and sentenced up to 28 years, without due process, only for trying to express their opinions and peacefully contribute to the progress of our motherland and the wellbeing of all Cubans.  Most of them suffer serious illnesses, acquired during these 7 years of injustice.  Their children and elderly have been condemned likewise, and we, women, have been submitted to harassment by the Security Police, just because we demand the government their immediate and unconditional release since they are innocent. There are more than 200 peaceful political prisoners in Cuba.  Independent journalists, human rights activist and other members of the civil society are repressed.

Aware of your dedication to justice and respect of human rights for all, I suggest your enquiry about the crackdown of 18, 19, 20 March 2003 and the respect of human rights, the current situation of our prisoners of conscience and interceding with the Cuban highest authority as to their immediate and unconditional release, including those under conditional release due to serious health problems. 

My respect, consideration and wishes of all the best,

Miriam Leiva

Human Rights Activist

Independent Journalist