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TUC protests at Miami 5 prisoner's punishment

Issue date

02 Aug 2010

Solidarity with the Miami 5

Update 5 August 2010: The Cuba Solidarity Campaign reports that Gerardo Hernandez has been returned to the general prison population, as we were demanding.

Letter to Secretary Clinton

August 2010

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber has written to the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, complaining about the treatment meted out to Miami 5 prisoner Gerardo Hernandez.

Since 21 July, Gerardo has been held in the 'hole' - a windowless cell of 7x3 feet which he shares with another prisoner, with little ventilation and reaching temperatures of 95 degrees. He is unable to take a shower and is taken outside in a cage for just one hour every other day. Not only is this cruel punishment being imposed without explanation, and preventing Gerardo from seeing his lawyers at a crucial stage in his preparation for Habeas Corpus, but it has also been imposed while Gerardo is experiencing health problems.

In April Gerardo requested a medical appointment for medical conditions developed while in prison, including high blood pressure. Three months later, on 20 July 2010 he was seen by a doctor. The doctor prescribed a blood test for a bacterium which is circulating throughout the prison, but instead, the following day, 21 July 2010, Gerardo was put in the hole on the directions of the FBI.

This is the third time in Gerardo's twelve years in prison that he has been placed in the hole while preparing for an appeal. He is currently unable to see or have any contact with this legal team while under this inhumane treatment.

The Cuba Solidarity Campaign has launched a public appeal on this issue. Online details can be found at: http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/news.asp?ItemID=1861

Dear Secretary Clinton

Gerardo Hernandez

I am writing to you with urgent concern for Gerardo Hernandez who is serving a double life sentence in USP Victorville. I understand that he has been confined to what is known as 'the hole' - a windowless cell of 7x3 feet which he shares with another prisoner, with little ventilation and reaching temperatures of 95 degrees - since 21 July 2010 and I am deeply concerned that he has not received adequate medical care for his health problems or the blood test prescribed by the prison doctor on 20 July 2010.

Gerardo is also currently preparing for Habeas Corpus with his lawyers and while held under these conditions he has been denied contact with them during this vital stage in his appeal.

I urge the authorities to ensure that Gerardo Hernandez:

is returned immediately to the general prison population;
receives urgent medical attention;
is allowed visits by his wife Adriana Perez; and
is given space and respect as he prepares for his appeals.

I believe the US government and prison authorities hold responsibility for the life and physical wellbeing of Gerardo Hernandez and I sincerely hope swift action will be taken.

Thank you for giving this matter your urgent attention, I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary

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