Brief biographies on 7 Cuban political prisoners released to Spain

Brief biographies on 7 Cubans released to Spain

A brief biography on the seven Cuban political prisoners released and then sent to Spain:

LESTER GONZALEZ, 33: Independent journalist from Santa Clara, youngest of the 75 opposition members arrested in Cuba in March 2003. Member of Reason, Truth and Freedom Human Rights Movement. Sentenced to 20 years in prison. He reportedly has a number of health problems, including a hernia operation he underwent in 2008 and anxiety from being separated from his daughter.

Source: English Pen and Amnesty International, National Commission on Human Rights and Reconciliation.

OMAR RUIZ, 62: Independent journalist from Santa Clara working for a group not recognized by Cuba’s government. Sentenced to 18 years in prison. Reportedly has prostate problem and high blood pressure. Opposition websites say he is son of evangelical pastor.

Source: Amnesty International, National Commission on Human Rights and Reconciliation.

ANTONIO VILLARREAL, 59: Signature collector from Santa Clara for the Varela Project democracy drive. Sentenced to 15 years in prison. He reportedly started a hunger strike along with five other inmates at Boniato prison. The Varela Project collected thousands of signatures from Cuban voters seeking a referendum on civil rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, press and business ownership. The signatures were delivered to Cuba’s parliament, which shelved the proposal.

Source: Amnesty International, National Commission on Human Rights and Reconciliation.

JULIO CESAR GALVEZ RODRIGUEZ, 65: Journalist from Havana. Sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was allegedly fired in 2001 from two official radio stations for collaborating with Cuba Free Press.

Source: Amnesty International, National Commission on Human Rights and Reconciliation.

JOSE LUIS GARCIA PANEQUE, 44: Plastic surgeon from Las Tunas who received a 24-year sentence. He was a member of the unofficial Cuban Independent Medical Association. He was also involved in independent journalism.

Source: Amnesty International, National Commission on Human Rights and Reconcilation.

PABLO PACHECO AVILA, 40: Independent journalist from Ciego de Avila, sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Source: Amnesty International, National Commission on Human Rights and Reconciliation.

RICARDO GONZALEZ ALFONSO, 60: Independent journalist from Havana who did work for Reporters Without Borders. Sentenced to 20 years in prison. Maintained a private library at his home. Family members concerned about his health.

Source: Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, National Commission on Human Rights and Reconcilation.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects Gonzalez’s age to 33; upgrades attribtuion. Adds other ages.)