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A message from Manuel Vazquez Portal, a Cuban independent journalist jailed in March 2003 and conditionally released in June 2004:

"I write to you today to ask for your help in securing the release of fellow independent journalist and Cuban activist, Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Paneque, whose health has drastically deteriorated since his arrest.

In March of 2003, during a crackdown on civil society in Cuba, Jose Luis and I, along with 73 other human rights activists and independent journalists, were summarily arrested and sentenced to long prison terms for our activism. I was fortunate to have been conditionally released in June 2004, following international protest from activists like you, and the attention generated by the relatives of those imprisoned, known as the "Ladies in White," who will receive Human Rights First's 2006 Human Rights Award this October in honor of their courageous advocacy.

But Jose Luis remains unjustly imprisoned, sentenced to 24 years for daring to criticize government practices and call for democratic freedoms. His wife, an active member of the Ladies in White, reports that he is dangerously ill and has lost almost 90 pounds as a result of serious intestinal problems severely aggravated by the conditions in which he is held.

My family and I can testify to the impact of international support - both in providing hope to imprisoned human rights advocates and in securing their release. Please join Human Rights First in calling for the immediate release of Jose Luis, a fellow independent journalist, courageous human rights advocate, and dear friend."