Chair of the European Parliament’s Human Rights committee MEP Elena Valenciano (S&D,ES) expressed on Monday her concern and solidarity with Cuban human rights activist and Sakharov Prize Laureate 2010 Guillermo Fariñas and other Cuban human rights activists on hunger strike. Mr Fariñas is on a hunger and thirst strike to protest against the torture and mistreatment of political prisoners by the Cuban Government.
Speaking on behalf of the EP sub-committee on Human Rights, Ms Valenciano said:
“We are extremely concerned about the health of Mr Fariñas. I call on the Cuban Government to ensure the integrity of his health and to address his call for immediate improvement of the treatment of the political prisoners in Cuba. We call on the Cuban Government to abide by its international commitments stemming from the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Subcommittee will closely follow this case and the respect for human rights and democracy in Cuba, this being one of the main cornerstones of the EU – Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement“.
Background
Mr Fariñas was awarded The EP Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2010. He is currently being treated for the ill effects of his continuing hunger and thirst strike. He has not eaten or drunk anything since 19 July, and is calling on Cuban President Castro to halt mistreatment of political prisoners in Cuba. Currently 21 human rights activists are on hunger strike to protest against police violence in Cuba.
