Prison Diary XI: A. Santiesteban: "I Refuse to be Transferred to Salvador Allende Military Hospital"

Prison Diary XI: A. Santiesteban: "I Refuse to be Transferred to
Salvador Allende Military Hospital" / Angel Santiesteban
Posted on April 6, 2013

I just got this telephone message from Angel Santiesteban-Prats in which
he informed me that they wanted to take him to the Salvador Allende
military hospital against his will. I am making this communication
public right now in hopes of what the response has been of those who are
supposed to transport him.

I hope to have more information in the coming minutes.

Message from Angel Santiesteban

I've never been in favor of sensationalist or tabloid news, so I've
preferred to remain silent until now, when the circumstances warrant
making it known.

With 10 days of finding myself in prison dark spots began to appear on
my face, which I only paid attention to when they also appeared on my
arm. I went to consultation of the prison doctor who sent me to the
dermatologist who gave me an appointment for the next day at the
surgery, where the doctor applied a substance to the marks causing
burns. The specialist explained to me this is the procedure for this
type of skin cancer that usually appears in white skinned people after
40 years. Days later the scabs were falling off leaving a pink colored area.

Today, April 5, they sent for me from the medical station to inform me
that they would be taking me to the Salvador Allende hospital for a
checkup, particularly for these spots that were treated. I refused
outright, I will not go to any military health center and my position is
firm.

They also told me that Antonio Rodiles cannot visit me any more, as he
has on two previous visits. When asked the reason they said he wasn't
family, nor is he a friend who ideologically makes "a positive
contribution to the revolutionary process." I let them know that I was
here precisely for my ideas which agree with those of Rodiles, and the
officer shrugged, a gesture which implies that there are "orders from
above," where a General, not a Captain, rules.

Now I'm waiting for them to come and hospitalize me. I don't know what
will happen in the face of my refusal to go with them and what their
reaction will be.

Ángel Santiesteban-Prats

La Lima Prison, Guanabacoa, 1:00 PM

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