Alexandra Bugailiskis, Ambassador of Canada
Embassy of Canada in Cuba
Calle 30 No. 518 (esq. 7ma)
Miramar (Playa)
Ciudad de la Habana
Cuba

June 27, 2007

Dear Ambassador,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE is extremely concerned at reports that journalists detained in Cuban prisons are being held in inhumane conditions which have led to their deteriorating health.

Friends and families of eight independent journalists unjustly held in various Cuban prisons have expressed serious concern for their loved ones' health. Since their arrest each journalist has experienced a significant decrease in their overall health as a result of poor prison conditions and insufficient healthcare. In addition to worsening pre-existing medical ailments, severe heat and lack of ventilation have also resulted in a series of new health problems.

José Gabriel Ramón Castillo, one of the eight journalists imprisoned at the Boniato Prison in Havana, has been diagnosed with cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension and stomach ulcers as well as circulation problems in his arms and legs and skin growths on his face and body. While he has received medication for the diabetes, treatment for his other ailments has not been sufficient. Héctor Maseda Gutiérrez had surgery earlier this year to remove similar skin growths. Other ailments include eye problems, such as the cataracts which have caused Pedro Argüelles to lose much of his sight.

CJFE is extremely distressed to hear of these inhumane conditions and calls upon the Canadian government to urge the Cuban government, through all available diplomatic channels, to provide the necessary treatment and ensure all prisoners have access to healthcare and are treated humanely.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply.

Arnold Amber, CJFE President

c.c: His Excellency, Ernesto A. Sentí Darias, Ambassador of Cuba
Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs