'Outcome Unpredictable' in Duel of Wills Between Protesters and Castro's Tyranny

The outcome of a duel of wills between Castro's tyranny and opponents in Havana 'is unpredictable', according to Vladimiro Roca (audio), president of the Social Democrat party and son of Blas Roca (1909-1987), former head of the Cuban Communist party. Out of the 11 original protesters, 6 remain.

Armando Rodríguez Lama had to be hospitalized from dehydration and according to Mr. Roca, he was beaten up by the political police upon attempting to return to the site of the siege. He is now back on the liquid fast but from his own home, outside of which he has reportedly hung his protest signs.

Others had to leave because of conflicting priorities and family life, and one has been accused by Mr. Roca of bad mouthing the other protesters and is suspected of working undercover for Castro's political police.

According to Mr. Roca (audio) one of the remaining dissidents, Yasmani Nicles Abad, is becoming dehydrated. Apparently he is on a total hunger strike and has not been drinking liquids. A transcription of the Spanish text of the audio is available here.

Martha Beatriz Roque, a diabetic, has continued her liquid fast despite not being able to control her symptoms with medications (Ciprocloxacina), which she has had to discontinue because of side effects. A doctor was finally allowed to visit her but allegedly could not remain at the home under siege because of threats from the regime.

According to Mr. Roca, Havana's Cardinal Ortega prohibited a priest from providing Ms. Roque the Holy Eucharist and Extreme Unction. She was only able to receive the sacraments because another priest provided them without requesting permission from the Cardinal. Mr. Roca has asked that Benedict XVI be informed of the Cardinal's refusal.

Mr. Roca is coauthor with Martha Beatriz Roque and two others of "La Patria es de Todos" ("The Homeland Belongs to All"). Mr.Roca's father wrote "The Fundamentals of Socialism in Cuba."

The 39 day sit-in (plantón) and fast while under siege, is reportedly taking place at Calle 39, number 105, between 41 and 43, Nuevo Vedado, Havana. They are demanding the return of an expropriated camera with photos and respect for Cubans' basic human rights.

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Spanish language blog covering the siege and Ms. Roque's health

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