The 75: Political Prisioners (one of them)
Eduardo Diaz Fleitas, vice-president of the August 5 Pacifist Movement, was arrested on 10 November 1999 during a demonstration demanding human rights which began peacefully at the Dolores Park in Havana. He was then charged with ''public disorder'' and sentenced to twenty-one years in prison under Law 88*. Amnesty International has designated him as a "prisoner of conscience".
At the same time that we wish him the best possible birthday, under very trying conditions (October 13), the U.S. Government calls for his immediate and unconditional release.
* In February 1999, Cuba's National Assembly passed Law 88, the Ley de Protección de la Independencia Nacional y la Economía de Cuba, Law for the Protection of the National Independence and Economy of Cuba. The law calls for seven to 15 years' imprisonment for passing information to a foreign government that could be used to bolster anti-Cuban measures such as the US economic "blockade". Provision was made for the term of imprisonment to rise to 20 years if the information were acquired surreptitiously. The legislation also bans the ownership, distribution or reproduction of 'subversive materials' from foreign governments, and proposes terms of imprisonment of up to five years for collaborating with radio and TV stations and publications deemed to be assisting U.S. policy.