Fast for Life and Liberty

In an unprecedented action for the amnesty of all political prisoners and for the Cuban government to respect human rights, human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists are in the midst of a 40 day fast. Organized by Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, of the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights, the National Civic Union, the 30th of November Democratic Party and the Marti Civic League, the fast has been embraced by numerous human rights and pro-democracy groups on the island and in exile.  Each morning and evening Psalms are read, these change weekly according to different national themes of pressing concern.

In the first seven days of the fast over 453 people visited the fasters.  5 people have been permanently on fast for the first week.  4 more joined the fast after the protest was initiated, and 214 have fasted temporarily  or at a minimum of 6 hours in solidarity.  Solidarity fasts have been reported throughout the country and are currently taking place in 48 homes in 13 of Cuba's current 14 provinces.