This May Be Our Last Chance to Help Seriously Ill Cuban Rights Advocate

New Action:

From Human Rights First: (note: a very special thank you to Elena Steiger for alerting this action on the Yahoo Group)

This May Be Our Last Chance to Help Seriously Ill Cuban Rights Advocate

Click Here to Take Action

http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/PalaciosIII/

Imprisoned Cuban rights advocate Hector Palacios' health has deteriorated significantly. According to reports from his wife, in recent weeks he has suffered from six episodes of cerebral ischemia, an insufficient supply of blood to the brain that could potentially lead to a stroke.

At age 63, Hector Palacios needs your help now more than ever.

Currently serving a 25 year sentence, Hector Palacios has advocated for human rights reforms in Cuba since 1980, and is an independent librarian. Mr. Palacios' health problems have only been aggravated by harsh prison conditions.

In March 2003, Mr. Palacios became one of 75 human rights advocates, independent journalists and librarians who were arrested, tried, and sentenced to up to 28 years in prison. Human Rights First believes that these individuals have been wrongfully imprisoned solely for openly exercising basic rights.

Join us today in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Hector Palacios and all others who have been imprisoned solely for exercising basic human rights in Cuba. To date, fourteen of the original 75 dissidents have been released for medical reasons following international pressure.

Your letters could mean the difference between life and death for Mr. Palacios.

Click Here to Take Action:

http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/PalaciosIII/

Click here to learn more about human rights defenders in Cuba:

http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/defenders/hrd_cuba/hrd_cuba.htm

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