Council for a Community of Democracies

Cuban Hunger Strike Death
February 25, 2010
By: Paul Larson

A Cuban man designated as a political prisoner by Amnesty International has died from a hunger strike, reports the BBC. Raul Castro expressed remorse over prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo’s death as Cuba faces international condemnation. Four prisoners and one protester have begun hunger strikes in response to Tamayo’s death.

Tamayo was one of 75 people arrested in March 2003 during a crackdown on government opposition groups. His original three-year sentence was for disorderly conduct, but he was given an additional seven years because he punched and damaged his prison cell door, Bloomberg reports. The BBC reports Tamayo mounted 25 years of prison sentencing during his trials.

He went on hunger strike to demand a separate cell from common criminals, permission for his family to bring him food and to wear different clothing than a prison uniform. The hunger strike lasted 85 days according to the BBC, 80 days according to CNN, eleven weeks according to Business Week, and 12 weeks according to France 21. The death marks the first time in nearly forty years that a person has died of a hunger strike against the Cuban government.

The outlawed Cuban organization, Human Rights Commission, has claimed that there are 200 political prisoners being held in Cuba currently. Amnesty International reports there are 65 prisoners of conscience.

The international community has voiced considerable outcry. Many countries have strongly criticized Cuba, including the United States, Canada and many European countries. There have been calls from the international community and rights groups for all remaining prisoners to be released. Even the Socialist government in Spain has expressed criticism, withdrawing from their position, which seeks to promote ties with Cuba.

Sources:

BBC News - Cuban dissidents 'declare hunger strike'

BBC News - Cuban prison hunger striker Orlando Zapata Tamayo dies

Business Week - Raul Castro Laments Activist’s Death as Lula Arrives in Cuba

Bloomberg - Raul Castro Regrets Activist Death as Lula Arrives

CNN - Jailed Cuban dissident dies after prolonged hunger strike

France 24 - Dissident prisoner's death spurs international outcry

Reuters - Spain makes unusual criticism of Cuba