[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE IN CUBA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2010

  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share my deep sadness over 
the loss of a Cuban prisoner of conscience, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, held 
by the Cuban regime.
  Orlando Zapata Tamayo was first arrested in March 2003 for 
participating in a hunger strike to demand the release of Dr. Oscar 
Biscet and other prisoners of conscience. Since his initial arrest and 
unwarranted imprisonment, the regime consistently increased Zapata's 
prison term up to 47 years.
  While in prison, Zapata endured frequent beatings and unimaginable 
living conditions. On December 3, 2009, Mr. Zapata began a hunger 
strike to protest the human rights violations and the repeated beatings 
by the Cuban authorities. After an 83-day hunger strike, Orlando Zapata 
Tamayo passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
  In mourning the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, I urge my colleagues 
to listen to his message of freedom and respect for human life. As the 
atrocities he fought against remain the reality of Cuba today, we must 
continue to fight for human rights and the release of all political 
prisoners.
  In light of this tragic death, it is important to recognize the 
hundreds of activists and prisoners of conscience that continue to risk 
their freedoms and their lives in Cuba. One such man, Normando 
Hernandez Gonzalez, was also arrested in the massive crackdown on 
suspected dissidents in March of 2003. Mr. Hernandez was sentenced to 
25 years in prison. While serving this term, his health has 
deteriorated significantly and he continues to suffer from several 
life-threatening aliments. I am very concerned for his well-being, and 
along with the international human rights community, I plead for his 
immediate release and the release of every wrongly imprisoned Cuban.

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