Free Eduardo Cardet: Prisoner of conscience marks two years (731 days) unjustly imprisoned in Cuba

"The oppressor dies and he is forgotten, the free man is jailed and he is mentioned everywhere." - Waleed Abu al-Khair

Eduardo Cardet Concepción marks two years in prison today in Cuba.  Eduardo is a medical doctor, a husband, and a father of two small children. He is widely respected in his community. He is a person of impeccable moral character. Despite all of this, he was beaten up and arrested in front of his wife and children on November 30, 2016. He has spent 731 days in captivity, continued to suffer beatings in prison, and was repeatedly stabbed with a sharp object. Both he and his family have been additionally punished, and visits and calls denied for months at a time.

In March of 2017 he was sentenced to three years in prison, and Amnesty International recognized him as a prisoner of conscience.

The Spanish Senate, members of Congress, international human rights gatherings, civil society and the Christian Liberation Movement have called for his immediate release.

The obvious question that arises is what did this good man and his family do to receive all this punishment?

The answer is simple, but hard to believe if one does not understand the nature of the government in Cuba.

Eduardo Cardet in addition to everything outlined in the second and third sentence of the first paragraph of this essay is also a democrat, a human rights defender, and speaks his mind openly. Because of this he had been a victim of regime harassment in the past.

Fidel Castro died on November 25, 2016 while Cardet was outside of Cuba. He was interviewed by international media and gave a frank assessment of Fidel Castro's political legacy and said that there was nothing positive.

Refusing to mourn Fidel Castro's death is punishable by prison in Cuba, and offering a nonviolent political alternative to the existing system is grounds for a prolonged prison sentence.

This is why Eduardo Cardet Concepción is a prisoner of conscience who has observed his 49th and 50th birthdays in a Cuban prison.

Let us make sure that this innocent man's name is mentioned everywhere.

#FreeCardet

Cuban opposition organization, the Christian Liberation Movement, observes 30th anniversary

Cuba's liberation movement three decades later.

Thirty years ago on September 8, 1988 on the feast day of the Virgin of Charity in Cuba, a movement was born inspired by Christian teachings and the desire to be free.

The Christian Liberation Movement (MCL) will observe the 30th anniversary of its founding on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 7:00pm with a solemn mass in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 4497 W 1st Ave., Hialeah FL 33012. This is being done on the eve of the anniversary to avoid interfering in the celebration of the Virgin of Charity and Patron of Cuba the following day.

Regis Iglesias, the current MCL spokesperson abroad, joined the movement in its early days in 1989.
Some MCL members such as Jesus Mustafa Felipe have a long history of activism that predates the movement. Jesus Mustafa was initially a member of the Cuban Committee for Human Rights in the later 1980s and worked with Gustavo Arcos Bergnes, but after navigating through two other movements ended up in MCL in 1999, where he remains today.


Four years ago on September 8, 2014 Cuba's Christian Liberation Movement released a statement recalling their founding:

We were born there in the parish of the Cerro, one of the many neighborhoods of Havana. The background: The Circle of the Cerro. Then something more formal, The Circle of Cuban Christian Thought. This was banned and dissolved when it launched the first free Cuban publication, also prohibited, titled "People of God", proclaiming the source of liberation: when we said, "We must obey God before men", "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, "But if God gives you Freedom, who is Cesar to take it away? "All men and women are my brothers and sisters." "We will not act violently or submit to violence," "You are my brother, I do not hate you, but I am not afraid of you."

Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas described how the Christian Liberation Movement, a democratic opposition movement, came into existence and explained how it was related to the birth of his first child, Oswaldo José.

“When our first child was going to be born, we have three children, we said that our children cannot live in a country without liberty and we are not going to another country to seek freedom. Therefore we have to fight for our children to live free here in Cuba and everyone else's children and their parents too.”    

Oswaldo José was born on February 17, 1988 and the Christian Liberation Movement (MCL) was founded that same year. 

Oswaldo Payá Antonio Diaz, and Regis Iglesias turn in petitions

On May 10, 2002, carrying 11,020 signed petitions in support of the Varela Project, Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, Antonio Diaz Sanchez, and  Regis Iglesias Ramírez walked with the bulky card board boxes labeled Project Varela turning them into the Cuban National Assembly. The New York Times reported on this historic event:

"Two days before a historic visit to Cuba by the former President Jimmy Carter, human rights activists today delivered an extraordinary challenge to the Communist government of President Fidel Castro in the form of petitions signed by more than 11,000 people seeking greater freedom. The petition drive, known as the Varela Project, calls for a referendum under the terms of the Cuban Constitution on whether there should be more freedom of expression, an amnesty for political prisoners and a chance for ordinary citizens to own small businesses. The signed petitions were delivered this morning to the National Assembly, after supporters painstakingly verified each signature, in the most significant peaceful effort to bring reform to Cuba in four decades. ''All of these Cubans, who with great courage and sacrifice have signed Project Varela, are the social vanguard for peaceful change in Cuba,'' said Oswaldo Paya, who led the drive. He said changes in the rights of Cubans could only be achieved peacefully.

The three activists, members of the Christian Liberation Movement, would pay a high price, along with dozens of others, for advocating human rights reforms within the existing legal frame work in Cuba. In March of 2003 both Antonio Diaz Sanchez, and Regis Iglesias were arrested and subjected to political show trials and sentenced to long prison sentences. They would spend years in prison followed by forced exile.

 Oswaldo Payá was killed on July 22, 2012 along with the movement's youth leader Harold Cepero in what appears to have been a state security operation.

Despite the killings, the movement re-organized and elected a new national coordinator, Eduardo Cardet MD.  Dr. Cardet was arrested on November 30, 2016 and has suffered, beatings, a stabbing, and since May 2018 the denial of family visits for six months and more recently the denial of phone calls.

Christian Liberation Movement statement on ongoing EU negotiations with regime in Cuba

Real changes are rights based.

 Statement of the Christian Liberation Movement

The common position maintained by the European Union in its relations with the Cuban government is under review. Tomorrow Wednesday August 27th the second round of these negotiations will be held. The most important condition has been the requirement of respect for human rights on the island, where little or nothing has changed for the good of the people in recent years. Continuing repression, arrests, lack of opportunities, and impoverishment, in other words, no real changes. Only transformations that seek to conceal a false continuity of oppression and privilege by a small group in power.

The Christian Liberation Movement does not intend to isolate Cuba and understands that the interests of organizations, businesses and citizens of the European Community be defended, but we are convinced that EU cooperation should be focused as a priority on achieving in our country a democratization process to ensure both in law and in practice the full respect of human rights for all.

We therefore hope that the representatives of the European Union are consistent and coherent with the democratic tradition of their own nations and demand a true process of change that our people want and need.

Changes are rights!

Eduardo Cardet Concepción

Coordinating Council of the MCL
Holguín

August 26, 2014.

Eduardo Cardet Concepción

Original Spanish text below taken from the Christian Liberation Movement website . If you see room for improvement in the translation please comment below and will take under advisement.

Declaración del Movimiento Cristiano Liberación 

La Posición Común mantenida por la Unión Europea en las relaciones con el gobierno cubano está en proceso de revisión. Mañana miércoles 27 de agosto se efectuara el segundo encuentro de estas negociaciones. El condicionamiento más importante ha sido la exigencia del respeto a los derechos humanos en la isla, donde poco o nada ha cambiado para el bien del pueblo en los últimos años. Continua la represión, las detenciones, la falta de oportunidades el empobrecimiento. En fin, nada de verdaderos cambios. Solo falsas transformaciones que persiguen encubrir la continuidad de la opresión y los privilegios de un pequeño grupo en el poder. 

El Movimiento Cristiano Liberación no pretende el aislamiento de Cuba y entiende que se defienda los intereses de las organizaciones, empresas y ciudadanos de la Comunidad Europea, pero estamos convencidos que la cooperación de la Unión debe estar enfocada de forma prioritaria en lograr en nuestro país un proceso de democratización que garantice en la ley y en la practica el respeto pleno a los derechos humanos de todos. 

Por eso esperamos que los representantes de la Unión Europea sean consecuentes y coherentes con la tradición democrática de sus propias naciones y demanden un verdadero proceso de cambios que nuestro pueblo quiere y necesita. 

¡Cambios son derechos! 

Eduardo Cardet Concepción 

Consejo Coordinador del MCL 

Holguín, 

26 de Agosto de 2014.

 

Cuban opposition leader recalls the August 5, 1994 Maleconazo

A convoy of trucks crammed with repressive special troops and a vehicle with a 50 caliber machine gun on top patrolled up and down the long street. - Regis Iglesias Ramírez

Regis Iglesias Ramírez above on the left.

That 5th of August by Regis Iglesias Ramírez, MCL* Spokesman

The 5th of August of 1994 in the morning my friend Lorenzo told me that he was going to the port. According to him, someone would attempt to take the tugboat. I wished him look. I saw him again around 2 in the afternoon, at that time there was an unusual movement of military trucks coming down Porvenir street.

Lorenzo narrated the adventures of his failed escape attempt but claimed that another group of people had taken the "launch of Regla.” Overexcited he told me how people had spontaneously begun to protest in Havana and that the Malecon was seething.

I got my back and moved quickly to Cerro.

Oswaldo wasn’t there but Ramoncito Antuez was. Listened in his home on Carmen and Peñón to the news that from the exterior was beginning to transmit on short wave about what was happening in Havana.

"Stay alert but calm in the neighborhood in case something happens. If the protest spreads to all municipalities I believe we should support it and give it political objectives. It cannot be us with our limited number of activists to initiate something that would mean the annihilation of Liberation," said Ramon.

August 5, 1994 protests in Havana, Cuba known as the Maleconazo

 I returned to Lawton and alerted Felix Antonio Rojas and Ernesto Martini (Freddy). Porvenir already seemed more a series of military stops than an ordinary artery of the city. A convoy of trucks crammed with repressive special troops and a vehicle with a 50 caliber machine gun on top patrolled up and down the long street.

Freddy, Felix and I agreed to meet at our parish, St. Clare of Assisi.

We notified the majority of our members and friends that we would be there if the populace joined the protest, to join in Lawton.

Many hours passed. News that in Havana the disturbances had been quelled was being announced on national television. "Everything is calm now," assured the news. It was around 1in the morning of the sixth. Despite the insistence of the friar friend who accompanied us all the time we decided to go back home at that time.

The morning appeared calm, but behind those gray clouds was the latent rebelliousness of a people who had long remained contained. The regime quickly found how to uncover the pressure built up in the populace announcing that one could launch oneself to suicide or freedom given anyone willing to use any handmade maritime means for such an endeavor. Freedom did not arrive that August, but nothing would be the same.

Original Spanish text available here.



*MCL Movimiento Cristiano Liberación which in English translates to Christian Liberation Movement

Iberoamerican Vanguard back Plebiscite for Cuba

Contained in the Final Act of the Iberoamerican Vanguard meeting (Panama) petition of Plebiscite for Cuba, presented by the Christian Liberation Movement (MCL)

We call attention to the alarming human rights situation in Cuba and recognize the historical solidarity between the Haitian and Dominican peoples. 

Taking into account the petition of thousands of Cuban citizens that using their constitutional rights ( art. 88 g ) propose that the people be consulted about legal changes that guarantee fundamental freedomsResolved:

To call on the Cuban government to respond to the democratic proposal of a plebiscite of its citizens

Minutes Caribbean 2

As part of the XXIII Iberoamerican Summit of Heads of State and government committed to the Iberoamerican theme: alliance for a new paradigm; young representatives of 25 Latin American countries in order to address the major challenges and problems of the region met in Iberoamerican Vanguard, as part of the 500 years of the discovery of the Pacific Ocean, from October 13 to 16  in Panama City, Panama.

Mindful of our responsibility in the development of the Iberoamerican peoples we declare necessary that with our commitment to action and critical support the governments, local institutions and multilateral organizations we contribute to:Considering the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship between all the states of the Caribbean region .We call attention to the alarming human rights situation in Cuba and recognize the historical solidarity between the Haitian and Dominican peoples. Taking into account the request of thousands of Cuban citizens using their constitutional right (Article 88 g ) propose to consult the people about legal changes that guarantee fundamental freedoms, and the petition of Haitians and Dominicans to review the sentence TC/06168 of September 27, 2013 of the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic that will leave without nationality a significant population of Dominicans descendants of foreigners, principally Haitians.

Resolved:

To call on the Cuban government to respond to the democratic proposal of a plebiscite of its citizens and invite the Dominican Constitutional Court to review its decision.

Original Spanish text

Christian Liberation Movement leaders arrested in Holguin, Cuba

MCL leaders Arnaldo Figueredo and Rigoberto Rodriguez Tapanes Feria arrested in Holguin
 

We just received information that the leaders of the Christian Liberation Movement (MCL) in Holguin province, Arnaldo Figueredo and Rigoberto Rodriguez were arrested after a police provocation in the municipality of Buena Ventura.
 
The agents that waited for them asked them for identification and tried to confiscate some food that both activists protested against the outrage. The two were taken to a Police Station and Arnaldo Figueredo was released shortly afterwards. Rigoberto Rodriguez Soria still remains kidnapped.

We demand the immediate release of our brother Rigoberto and the cessation of all acts of intimidation and violence against MCL activists and all of Cuba's peaceful opposition.
 
For more information contact by phone in Cuba:

Jose Cabrera (MCL in Holguin): +5358397222
 
Taken and translated from the Christian Liberation Movement website.

Former prisoner of conscience and Christian Liberation Movement spokesman addresses the World Movement for Democracy

Statement by Regis Iglesias, Christian Liberation Movement spokesman upon receiving on behalf of the Cuban opposition movement the Democracy Courage Tribute from the World Movement for Democracy (WMD)

Cubans have lived under dictatorships or totalitarian regimes for over half a century.

Our situation is dramatic. 50 years without freedom of expression, freedom of association, without economic rights for citizens. Cubans do not have freedom of movement. The Cuban family is divided, our Nation is divided and popular sovereignty is trampled on by the oligarchs in power.

I have the privilege to receive this recognition that is being given to us today, on behalf of all Cubans throughout this painful time have worked and fought for the rights of the Cuban people. Men and women like  Ofelia Acevedo, Ernesto Martini, Librado Linares, Eduardo Diaz, Jorge García Perez, (Antunez), Sara Fonseca, Rosa Rodriguez, Ivan Hernandez who like many others still resist there in Cuba, beset by brutal repression.

I receive it on behalf of more than 25,000 citizens that in the midst of terror have demanded the regime hold a plebiscite for their rights, on behalf of thousands of activists for freedom that in the face of fraudulent change that the joint military-economic junta of the island want to sell  give their support to "El Camino del Pueblo" [The People's Path]. I receive it in the name of Felix Navarro, Angel Moya, Ezequiel Morales, Berta Soler, Rosa María Paya, Narviel Hernandez, Orlando Luis Pardo and many, many more. None of them can be here today, as you, because the joint military-economic junta on the island doesn't permit them to leave their own country. Fraudulent changes announced by the Cuban regime do not include all rights for all Cubans.

But above all I want to receive this recognition for all my countrymen, for all the martyrs who along more than half a century of totalitarianism have generously given their lives for liberation. On behalf of Pedro Luis Boitel, Sebastian Arcos, Orlando Zapata, Julio Ruiz Pitaluga, Laura Pollan.. Also for Harold Cepero and Oswaldo Paya for whom we will not rest until the truth is known about their deaths and we urge the international community to support an independent investigation that finally recognizes the crime.

With the decision of the Cuban people and your solidarity, of all men and women of good will in the world some day justice will arrive to our beloved Cuban land, the truth will have its temple. Cuba reborn and free all her children be reconciled tired of both despotism and hatred.

Truth and love will reign in our beloved island. We need our Latin American brothers, our democratic friends around the world to be with us now, that their commitment be on the side of the Cuban people who are suffering and have no rights. Dictatorships only despotic and oppressive systems that generally in the name of national sovereignty restrict popular sovereignty and leave citizens without rights.  

Thank you for walking in solidarity with Cubans all these years the steps have brought us closer to freedom, thank you that together we will realize that day long dreamed by us. 

Regis Iglesias


Palabras de Regis Iglesias, portavoz del Movimiento Cristiano Liberación, al recibir en nombre del movimiento opositor cubano el Premio al Valor del Movimiento Mundial por la Democracia (WMD)

Los cubanos hemos vivido bajo regímenes dictatoriales o totalitarios por mas de medio siglo.

Nuestra situación es dramática. 50 años sin libertad de expresión, sin libertad de asociación, sin derechos económicos para los ciudadanos. Los cubanos no tenemos libertad de movimiento. La familia cubana esta dividida, nuestra Nación esta dividida y la soberanía popular es pisoteada por los oligarcas en el poder.

Tengo el privilegio de recibir este reconocimiento que hoy se nos entrega., en nombre de todos los cubanos que a lo largo de este tiempo doloroso han trabajado y luchado por los derechos del pueblo cubano. Hombres y mujeres como Ofelia Acevedo, Ernesto Martini, Librado Linares, Eduardo Diaz, Jorge García Perez, (Antunez), Sara Fonseca, Rosa Rodriguez, Ivan Hernandez que como muchos otros aun resisten allí, en Cuba, acosados por la brutal represión.

Lo recibo en nombre de los más de 25,000 ciudadanos que en medio del terror han demandado al régimen un plebiscito por sus derechos, en nombre de miles de activistas por la libertad que frente al cambio fraude que nos quiere vender la junta económico militar de la isla dan su apoyo al documento El Camino del Pueblo. Lo recibo a nombre de Felix Navarro, Angel Moya, Ezequiel Morales, Berta Soler, Rosa María Paya, Narviel Hernandez, Orlando Luis Pardo y muchos, muchos mas. Ninguno de ellos puede hoy estar aquí, como ustedes, porque la junta económico militar en la isla no les permite salir de su propio país. Los cambios fraudes que anuncia el régimen cubano no incluyen todos los derechos para todos los cubanos.

Pero sobre todo quiero recibir este reconocimiento por todos mis compatriotas, por todos los mártires que a lo largo de mas de medio siglo de totalitarismo han dado sus vidas generosas por la liberación. En nombre de Pedro Luis Boitel, Sebastian Arcos, Orlando Zapata, Julio Ruiz Pitaluga, Laura Pollan. También en el de Harold Cepero y Oswaldo Paya por quienes no descansaremos hasta que la verdad sobre sus muertes sea conocida e instamos a la comunidad internacional a que apoye una investigación independiente que finalmente reconozca el crimen.

Con la decisión de los cubanos y la solidaridad de ustedes, de todos los hombres y mujeres de buena voluntad del mundo la justicia llegara algún día a nuestra amada tierra cubana, la verdad tendrá su templo. Cuba renacerá y libres se reconciliaran todos sus hijos cansados de tanto despotismo y odio.

La verdad y el amor reinaran en nuestra amada isla. Necesitamos que nuestros hermanos latinoamericanos, nuestros amigos demócratas de todo el mundo estén con nosotros ahora, que su compromiso esté del lado pueblo cubano que sufre y no tiene derechos . Las dictaduras solo sistemas despóticos y opresivos que por lo general en nombre de la soberanía nacional coartan la soberanía popular y dejan a los ciudadanos sin derechos..

Gracias a ustedes por caminar solidarios junto a los cubanos todos estos años los pasos que nos han acercado a la libertad, gracias porque juntos podremos hacer realidad ese día largamente soñado por nosotros.

Regis Iglesias

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