NEWS ALERT: GLA SEEKS OAS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR ENDANGERED CUBAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST VIRGILIO MANTILLA ARANGO

On Tuesday, June 15, the Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) applied for precautionary measures from the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on behalf of Cuban human rights activist Virgilio Mantilla Arango

Virgilio Mantilla, taken from the Facebook profile of Heriberto García.

Mr. Mantilla, leader and founder of the Camagüeyan Unit for Human Rights (UCPDH), and member of the Unitary Democratic Commitment coalition, is currently suffering from numerous ailments and health conditions exacerbated by months of inhumane treatment by Cuban State Security and National Revolutionary Police.
 
Mr. Mantilla is currently serving a 7 month sentence for hoarding, which began in December 2020. Over the last 6 months, Mr. Mantilla has been subjected to torture, serious cruel and inhuman treatment, and has been detained in punishment cells, all of which have contributed to his deteriorating health. After being sent to a maximum security prison and placed in a punishment cell, Mr. Mantilla contracted COVID-19, and after returning from a short hospital stay, his health has become critical as he suffers from additional ailments complicated by brutal beatings by the police. He was originally sent to the punishment cell for voicing concern over the lack of medicines available to prisoners as well as the inhumane conditions inmates must live with.
 
The IACHR issues precautionary measures to protect citizens only in “grave and urgent” human rights abuse situations causing “irreparable harm.” This abuse has reached a critical point that is beyond repair or restoration because it involves his life and health.

Read the Cover Letter submitted to the OAS below:

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2021-06-15 Cover Letter IACHR PM Virgilio Mantilla (RED) by Global Liberty Alliance on Scribd

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The Global Liberty Alliance defends fundamental rights, free enterprise, and the rule of law, including the fundamental right to freedom of thought. You can find more information about GLA’s work on the GLA blog, Facebook page, podcasts, or Twitter account.