Petition for the Freedom of Cuban Political Prisoners

In the weeks following the unfortunate death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, the Cuban human rights activist and prisoner of conscience who lost his life after an 82-day hunger strike, over 34,000 people, hailing from more than 100 countries, have signed a petition calling for the "immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners currently Cuban jails."

Today, Raíces de Esperanza is calling on YOU to add your name to the list of signatories.

Over 300 prominent writers, artists, and activists from around the world have already signed the petition in support of our brothers and sisters on the island who are fighting for the very civil liberties and political rights that we, students and young professionals residing in the United States, exercise every day.

The list includes musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Paquito D'Rivera, Willy Chirino, Albita Rodríguez, and Gorki Águila, actor Andy García, Academy Award winners Pedro Almodóvar and Fernando Trueba, Cervantes Prize recipients Mario Vargas Llosa and Juan Marsé, Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, National Book Award recipient Carlos Eire, blogger Yoani Sánchez, as well as many members of Las Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White), the mothers and spouses of Cuban dissidents jailed during the Black Spring of 2003. These public personalities have given the petition tremendous international exposure. It's time to get the word out in the United States.

We are asking you to do your part to support our cause:

1. Sign the petition, which you can find here.

2. Spread the word about the petition to your friends and family.

3. Stay tuned for additional information about an event honoring the Ladies in White.