Thursday, December 18, 2008

Cuba:Prisoner of conscience Dr. García Paneque lacks proper medical treatment

The Benenson Society is running a campaign to highlight the plight of Cuban prisoner of conscience Dr. García Paneque who languishes in prison in Cuba. García is a former surgeon who was arrested March 18, 2003, during the "black spring" roundup of 75 journalists, human rights activists and other dissidents.

Dr. García Paneque is a medical doctor and independent journalist from the eastern province of Las Tunas, Cuba, who was arrested in March 2003 as part of a major crackdown on peaceful dissent in Cuba. He is serving a 24-year sentence for his legitimate, non-violent activities.
Dr Garcia is recognised as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, Reporters without Borders and Human Watch First
Dr. García Paneque’s health has been perilous for nearly four years. He suffers from chronic diarrhoea and poor intestinal absorption, resulting in chronic malnutrition. His weight has dropped by nearly half since his incarceration—from 190 lbs to an emaciated 110 lbs. He has not received proper medical treatment and has not been allowed to consult with independent medical professionals.
He can be contacted at the following address:

Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Paneque
Prision Provincial Las Mangas (Hombres)
Mayor Rigor
Bayamo
Cuba

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