In numerous songs I have expressed my solidarity with political prisoners, because I believe they are the real unsung heroes of our time. These are sons and daughters of oppressed nations who consciously put their freedom and at times their lives on the line. All over the world there are thousands of political prisoners. The most famous ones are Aung San Suu Kyi, Jorge Luis García Pérez (Antúnez) and of course Nelson Mandela. As one may know world dictators’ nightmare is an outspoken opposition, add to that, one that people follow or listen to.
For the last 50 years Cubans have known only two presidents, Fidel Castro and recently Raúl Castro. Ever since the Cuban revolution, which was led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, Fidel ruled the small island nation for almost five decades. His rule survived nine US presidents and every effort by America to unseat him. Raúl Castro took over power after Fidel’s health took a hit in 2006. To maintain their power the Castro brothers don’t tolerate opposition voice. The government’s notorious crack down on human rights activists on March 18th 2003 is labelled the Black Spring. Within a few days 75 dissidents were arrested and eventually jailed to disappear for a long time behind bars. The highest sentence was 28 years, given to Luis Enrique Ferrer García. The lowest was 6 years, given to Reinaldo Labrada Pena. The international community condemned the crack down and Cuba was sanctioned.
Soon after the Black Spring, women relatives and friends started to gather at the St. Rita’s Church in Havana every Sunday. The ladies, dressed in white and holding flowers, first pray for the imprisoned dissidents. As a form of protest against the arrest of their loved ones, they take a silent walk in the streets of Havana after each mass. With this non violent approach the ladies in white have been attracting supporters from all over the world. Amongst the famous people who publicly expressed their solidarity to the movement are US President Barack Obama and singer Gloria Estefan. For the last 7 years the weekly demonstration has been the same. But last week the ladies became international news when members of the Ladies in White forcefully got arrested by the Cuban police. They were on their way to the house of Orlando Fundora, who had been on hunger strike, when the police stopped them and arrested the ladies when they refused to leave sight. Amongst the arrested was Reyna Tamayo. She’s the mother of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, a dissident who died from an 85-day hunger strike on February 22nd, 2010. He demanded the release of prisoners of conscience. His death caused international uproar.
According to reports the Ladies in White have endured unlawful entrees into their homes, relentless threats by the authorities and constant verbal abuse by civilian mobs. There are also pro-government supporters who counter protests on a regular basis, screaming Viva Fidel! Viva Raul! Speaking of divide and conquer. If they’d join the Ladies in White in their struggle, it would have been a different scenario.
The fact is that the Ladies in White will have to do some more marching and endure the painful harassments by the police and individuals. This is how the song of endless struggle goes. But I believe after this great ordeal there will be justice. I pray for you and I pray for your relatives whom I call my comrades. May they return to their loved ones safe and sound and continue their work for the people. I hope you find the resource to continue this humanly works. I hope your government finds the strength and the courage to rule with his common sense and not his fist.
To the courageous women of ‘Damas de Blanco’: The Soul Rebel Movement salutes you.