The 75: Political Prisioners

Majaíl Barzaga Lugo

Majaíl Barzaga Lugo was arrested, summarily tried and sentenced to 15 years in prison under Law 88*.  Amnesty International has designated him as a “prisoner of conscience”.

At the same time that we wish him the best possible birthday, under very trying conditions (April 25), the U.S. Government calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

We invite you to read more about Cuba’s dismal Human Rights record under this web page’s Human Rights/Civil Society topical heading at the left of the page.

* In February 1999,  Cuba's National Assembly passed Law 88, the Ley de Protección de la Independencia Nacional y la Economía de Cuba, Law for the Protection of the National Independence and Economy of Cuba. The law calls for seven to 15 years' imprisonment for passing information to a foreign government that could be used to bolster anti-Cuban measures such as the US economic "blockade". Provision was made for the term of imprisonment to rise to 20 years if the information were acquired surreptitiously. The legislation also bans the ownership, distribution or reproduction of 'subversive materials' from foreign  governments, and proposes terms of imprisonment of up to five years for collaborating with radio and TV stations and publications deemed to be assisting U.S. policy