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DemocracyAlerts

From time to time, the World Movement for Democracy issues alerts concerning participants and other colleagues who are, or may be, facing personal danger due to their work on behalf of democracy and for whom a vigorous response from around the world may be critical.

To see previous alerts go to www.wmd.org/democracyalerts/democracyAlerts.html.

(May 13, 2008)

Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People, Wednesday, May 21

Wednesday, May 21, will mark a “Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People.”  Democracy leaders and nongovernmental organizations around the world plan to demonstrate their support for human rights on the island to underscore the plight of prisoners of conscience and the lack of civil and political freedoms in Cuba.   Mid-May is particularly significant as Cubans across the island traditionally commemorate Cuban patriots who have suffered at the hands of the regime for the cause of freedom and human rights, including the anniversary of the death of Pedro Luis Boitel, a poet-activist who died on May 25, 1972 at age 39 while on a hunger strike in Cuba’s “Castle of the Prince” prison. The Day of Solidarity will demonstrate worldwide support for the efforts of the Cuban people to achieve genuine political and economic freedom in the country. 

Although a signatory to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, the Cuban government denies the most basic freedoms and opportunities to its people.  Raul Castro's recent succession to power occurred without a democratic vote of the Cuban people. 

Call to Action: You can demonstrate your solidarity for Cubans’ struggle for freedom through the following actions:

• Hold a press event;
• Issue a statement;
• Sign and distribute the petition located at www.peticioncuba.org; and
• Work with and encourage other NGOs to organize events and issue statements, which
  
  • Highlight the deplorable human rights situation on the island;
  • Call for the unconditional release of the approximately 240 prisoners of conscience (including Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet) plus the additional 5,000 sentenced for “dangerousness;" and
  • Call on the Cuban government to allow its citizens to exercise internationally recognized civil and political rights and freedoms and call for a legitimate democratic transition in Cuba.

For more information, and to notify others of your efforts, go to: http://www.solidaridadcuba.org