Solidarity with the UNPACU Activists and with all the Hunger Strikers in Cuba

Solidarity with the UNPACU Activists and with all the Hunger Strikers in
Cuba /Miriam Celaya
Posted on April 23, 2013

While Telesur and the official Cuban media distract us these days with
Venezuela's political brawls and other conflicts elsewhere in the world,
I received a Twitter message on my mobile about the hunger strike just
started by 46 Cubans from National Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), a
coalition of opponents that groups members in several provinces of the
island, especially the eastern region.

Yesterday, they informed me that activists of the Pedro Luis Boytel
National Movement, of the Rosa Parks movement, and of the Orlando Zapata
Tamayo FN have joined the province of Camagüey sit-in. Indeed, from this
very blog I have expressed, more than once, that I do not approve of
hunger strikes as a method of struggle, but today I cannot but express
my solidarity with these fellow travelers and respect and support their
sacrifice.

The initial demand for the release of Luis E. Igarza Lozada, imprisoned
and on strike as of 13 days ago, has even spread to some parts of the
province of Matanzas. Posters, leaflets, graffiti and pot-banging
protests have been supporting the strikers in various cities and towns
of eastern Cuba, amid repression manifested in arrests, beatings,
threats and suspension of cellular service to prevent the world from
knowing about what happens in Cuba.

The best weapon the activists of the opposition can now count on in
their just demand is our support and solidarity. Let's use the means at
our disposal so that they are not alone. Let's not allow the cymbals of
the Palace of the Revolution, praising their Venezuelan ward, silence
the peaceful struggle of our brothers in arms. Let's boost their voices
by spreading the truth about what is happening, and by demanding the
release of all political prisoners. We can all be activists against
Castro's repression; do not forget that silence, fear, and indifference
are the main allies of the oppressors.

Let's make a difference.

Translated by Norma Whiting

22 April 2013

http://translatingcuba.com/solidarity-with-the-unpacu-activists-and-with-all-the-hunger-strikers-in-cuba-miriam-celaya/