Payá: "We welcome the release of these prisoners by the government, but without conditions'
published on Wednesday, July 7, 2010
We welcome the release of these prisoners by the government of Cuba, but without conditions, so that they can decide freely on their lives. This must be the first step to a prompt release of all political prisoners and to begin the changes that the whole people want. And changes mean rights, freedom, reconciliation. That, we can achieve among all Cubans.
Written statement from Osvaldo (sic) Payá Sardiñas, coordinator of the Christian Liberation Movement and main promoter of the Varela Project, reacting to the announcement of the release of 52 Cuban prisoners of conscience in the next 3-4 months, made today by Raul Castro and Cardinal Jaime Ortega and officially released by the Archdiocese of Havana:
MAY IT BE THE END OF THE UNFAIR PRISON
We thank God for the announcement of the release in the coming months of all Prisoners of the Primavera de Cuba.
We thank all those heroes who were once abducted from their homes unjustly imprisoned only for defending human rights. The people of Cuba and everyone that loves justice must be grateful to those Cubans who have been torches of dignity and hope, glowing in the shadows. They and their families have suffered immensely without abating. Thanks to the heroic Damas de Blanco and all the families of political prisoners who all suffered so much for this cause.
We thank all Cubans inside and outside Cuba that all this time have been supportive in any way with the Cuban political prisoners and their families and all Governments, individuals and institutions worldwide who have supported the liberation of the Cuban political prisoners. We demand the release of all human rights defenders who are still in prison, like Agustín García Cervantes who was sentenced to two years in 2009 just for promoting the Varela Project.
We give a very special thanks to the Catholic Church in Cuba for this negotiation to free our brothers and also by the supportive accompanying, consolation and assistance that many religious, laity, priests and bishops throughout Cuba gave all these years and continue to provide to political prisoners and their families.
We thank all those in Spain who have, from government, opposition and society, remained concerned, maintained solidarity and have made efforts for the release of these peaceful political prisoners.
We welcome the release of these prisoners by the government of Cuba, but without conditions, so they can decide freely on their lives. This must be the first step to a prompt release of all political prisoners and to begin the changes that the whole people want. And changes mean rights, freedom, reconciliation. We can achieve this among all Cubans.
Dear brothers and sisters in the struggle for liberation, the Homeland is proud of you!
Oswaldo Jose Paya Payá Sardiñnas
Havana, 7th of July, 2010
Coordinator Christian Movement Liberation