UNISONActive is an unofficial blog produced by UNISON activists for UNISON activists. Bringing news, briefings and events from a progressive left perspective.

Monday, 2 August 2010

Urgent request on behalf of Miami 5 prisoner Gerardo Hernandez‏

Since 21 July, Miami Five prisoner Gerardo Hernandez has been held in the ‘hole’ – a windowless cell of 7x3 feet which he shares with another prisoner, with little ventilation and reaching temperatures of 95 degrees. He is unable to take a shower and is taken outside in a cage for just one hour every other day.

Not only is this cruel punishment being imposed without explanation, and preventing Gerardo from seeing his lawyers at a crucial stage in his preparation for Habeas Corpus, but it has also been imposed while Gerardo is experiencing health problems.

In April Gerardo requested a medical appointment for medical conditions developed while in prison, including high blood pressure. Three months later, on 20 July 2010 he was seen by a doctor. The doctor prescribed a blood test for a bacterium which is circulating throughout the prison, but instead, the following day, 21 July 2010, Gerardo was put in the hole.

This is the third time in Gerardo’s twelve years in prison that he has been placed in the hole while preparing for an appeal. He is currently unable to see or have any contact with this legal team while under this inhumane treatment.

Cuba Solidarity Campaign is calling on affiliates to write to the US State Department, US Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Prisons urgently asking that Gerardo be:
  • Returned immediately to the general population
  • Receive urgent medical attention
  • Allowed visits by his wife Adriana Perez
  • Given space and respect as he prepares for his appeals

CSC has also launched a public appeal on this issue and online details can be found at: http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/news.asp?ItemID=1861