Cuban Supreme Court Upholds Imprisonment of Dissidents

Lawyers Committee Condemns Persecution of Human Rights Defenders

NEW YORK - The Cuban Supreme Court decided on June 23 to uphold the harsh prison sentences imposed on approximately 50 political dissidents, including human rights and democracy activists, journalists, and directors of independent libraries. The prisoners are among some 75 dissidents who were sentenced to up to 28 years in prison in a March 2003 crackdown.

“This decision is deeply disappointing, in addition to violating international human rights standards,” said Neil Hicks, the Director of the Human Rights Defenders Program at the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. “These dissidents who were imprisoned in the March crackdown are victims of politically motivated prosecutions that used broadly worded laws to stifle legitimate, non-violent political dissent.”

The dissidents imprisoned in March were sentenced to long prison terms after unfair trials. Many hoped that the appeals process could remedy the violations of fundamental human rights that have been suffered by the dissidents. Héctor Palacios, Oscar Espinosa Chepe, Martha Beatriz Roque, and Raúl Rivero were among the fifty dissidents whose sentences were upheld. Mr. Chepe and Ms. Roque are in need of medical attention and are reported not to be receiving adequate treatment in prison.

The Lawyers Committee reiterates its call to the Cuban government to order the release of all individuals who were arrested and convicted on the basis of their peaceful political activities and their efforts to promote and protect basic human rights in Cuba. The Lawyers Committee condemns all politically motivated prosecutions and detentions, which are contrary to fundamental human rights standards. Cuban human rights defenders, like many of those imprisoned in March, should be recognized and supported by their government, not persecuted.

While the dissidents remain in detention, the Lawyers Committee calls on the Cuban government to ensure that Oscar Espinosa Chepe and others in need of medical attention are provided with appropriate medical treatment immediately and that their conditions of detention meet basic international standards.