Protests in Cuba must continue without hunger strikes, says dissident

Protests in Cuba must continue without hunger strikes, says dissident

Havana, Cuba, Mar 8, 2010 / 03:05 pm (CNA).- The president of the
Christian Liberation Movement in Cuba, Oswaldo Paya, issued a statement
last week encouraging the efforts of human rights defenders and
prisoners of conscience in the country, but asked that their demands be
made without resorting to hunger strikes.

Paya's statement explained that "hunger strikes by defenders of human
rights and prisoners of conscience are often a last resort for those
suffering abuse and repression by the Cuban government."

"We are not the judges of those who are on a hunger strike," he
continued, "but rather their … partners in the struggle."

Paya noted that that the Christian Liberation Movement does not
"encourage hunger strikes," and called for an end to them so the
prisoners "do not harm their health or lose their valuable lives."

"We do, however, support them in their just demands, which are also our
own."

Paya then called on "all governments, institutions and citizens of the
world to demand that the Cuban government immediately release peaceful
political prisoners and respect human rights in the country. Thus they
will help to save those who are on hunger strike and will contribute to
dialogue and peace."

"We will not in any way encourage anyone to engage in or remain on a
hunger strike," Paya said in conclusion.

Protests in Cuba must continue without hunger strikes, says dissident ::
Catholic News Agency (CNA) (8 March 2010)
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/protests_in_cuba_must_continue_without_hunger_strikes_says_dissident/