Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland
General Director World Health Organization

Dear Dr. Brundtland:

My husband, Oscar Manuel Espinosa Chepe, 62 years old, suffer on liver cirrhosis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison during a one day summary trial, confirmed on April 6th this year.

Regardless of his liver crisis due to stress: intense interrogation, isolated cell with three common prisoner (2m by 3m), malnourishment, etc. He was sent to the Provincial Prison of Guantánamo, 9l0 kms from Havana (we live in the capital Havana), on April 24th.

By midst May he had to be taken to the Guantánamo Provincial Hospital because he was reporting dark blood in his stool for more than three days. He should be still there, but I am not sure.  At the hospital there are not the adequate conditions for such an ill person (i.e. the water is contaminated, especially when it rains).

I Beg and urge you to call on the Cuban Government, so he:

- Be transferred to a hospital in Havana. This being the first and most important for now.

- Be allowed home imprisonment once his health is stabilized.

- Be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment.

I will send you by mail the relevant documentation.

I appreciate in advance you attention.

Miriam Leiva
Wife of Oscar Espinosa Chepe
My email: leivia2002@yahoo.com

Carta de la esposa de Oscar Espinosa Chepe al presidente de la Cruz Roja Internacional

Dr. Jakob Kellenberger
President International Red Cross

Dear Doctor:

My husband, Oscar Manuel Espinosa Chepe, 62 years old, suffering liver cirrhosis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a one-day summary trial on April 6th this year.

Regardless of the liver crisis affecting him while being at the Headquarter of the Security (political) Police in Havana, He has been sent to the Guantánamo Provincial Prison, 9l0 kms from Havana (where we live), since April 24th.

There his health worsen and had to be taken to the Guantánamo Provincial Hospital by midst May, because he was also reporting dark blood in stool for three day. At the Hospital the conditions are not adequate for such an ill person. For instance, the water is contaminated especially when it rains as it has now, so they are only performing emergency blood test, etc.

I urge you to call on the Cuban Government for:

- He must be brought to a hospital in Havana in order to receive adequate treatment. This is the must urgent now.

- Once stabilized be granted home imprisonment

- He should be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment.

I will send you the relevant information by mail.

Miriam Leiva
Wife of Oscar Espinosa Chepe
email: leivia2002@yahoo.com