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The recognized Cuban opposition figure Héctor Palacios Ruiz, one of the 75 activists imprisoned during the Black Spring in 2003, passed away in Miami this Saturday.
Palacios Ruiz, 81 years old, had been living in the United States since 2015 and had spent three years and eight months in the regime's prisons, reported Martí Noticias.
Founded in 1989, alongside Víctor Serpa and Joaquín Rodríguez, the first liberal organization under Castroism, the Radical and Democratic Movement Cuba Libre, Palacios Ruiz was born on July 22, 1943, in Pico Blanco, in the Escambray mountains, Villa Clara.
In 2003, after several stints in prison, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison during the Black Spring of Cuba, along with 75 other Cuban dissidents.
In 2006, he was released for health reasons, traveled to Spain for treatment, and eleven months later returned to Havana on September 20, 2008.
“ আমরা তার সাথে বহু বছর কাজ করেছি, আমরা সেখানকার শাসনের নির্যাতন এবং হয়রানির শিকার হয়েছি যারা ধারাবাহিকভাবে তাকে তাড়া করছিল এবং হয়রানি করছিল। আজ আমরা তার ক্ষতির জন্য শোক করছি, কিন্তু তিনি সবসময় আমাদের সাথে থাকবেন, আমাদের সংগ্রামে পথ দেখিয়ে যাবেন” বললেন Martí Noticias-কে জোসে ডিয়াজ সিলভা, নতুন প্রজাতন্ত্রের জন্য বিরোধী আন্দোলনের নেতা।
“We share this pain, which is great not only for his family, his siblings, and his friends, but for the people of Cuba, for whom he fought so hard,” he added.
Palacios was also a founder of the Cuban Human Rights Movement (MDHC) and a former coordinator of the Cuban Liberal Unity (ULC) and the Varela Project.
The activist, adopted by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience, reported that he was in Villa Marista prison, from where he was sent to Kilo 5 and a Half prison, in the western province of Pinar del Río.
The opposition figure then recounted to the foreign press that he spent nearly a year in a high-security cell, about three square meters in size with no ventilation, isolated, sleeping on the floor and, at first, without being allowed to go out for a walk.
In December 2017, the government of Cuba forbade him from traveling to the Island to attend his mother's funeral.
Frequently Asked Questions about Héctor Palacios Ruiz and the Black Spring of Cuba
Who was Héctor Palacios Ruiz?
Héctor Palacios Ruiz was a well-known Cuban opposition figure and one of the 75 activists imprisoned during the Black Spring of 2003. Founder of the Radical and Democratic Cuba Libre Movement, he devoted his life to the struggle for human rights and democracy in Cuba.
What was the Black Spring of Cuba?
The Black Spring of Cuba was a repressive wave in 2003 during which the Cuban regime arrested 75 dissidents, including journalists, activists, and opposition members. This event is an example of the Cuban government's repression against freedom of expression and human rights.
Why was Héctor Palacios Ruiz imprisoned?
Héctor Palacios Ruiz was imprisoned for his political activism and his role in opposing the Cuban regime. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison during the Black Spring, but was released in 2006 due to health reasons.
How did Héctor Palacios contribute to the Cuban opposition movement?
Héctor Palacios contributed to the Cuban opposition movement by founding several organizations, such as the Cuban Human Rights Movement and the Varela Project. His activism was pivotal in the struggle for human rights and democracy in Cuba.
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