Distributed by The Cuba Free Press Project.

Havana, August 21, 1997, Cuba Press

POLITICAL PRISONER JORGE LUIS ORTEGA PALACIOS IS SUBJECTED TO INHUMANE TREATMENT. By Odalis Ivette Curbelo Sanchez, CubaPress.

Political prisoner Jorge Luis Ortega Palacios (25), a resident of Reparto Hermanos Cruz, who is serving a four year prison term in Kilo Cinco y Medio, in Pinar del Rio, for the crime of contempt against the maximum leader, is presently in poor health due to fevers which have made him lose weight, he also suffers from severe headaches, and inflamation to his knees, and his sexual organs.

Mrs. Lidia Palacios, the 44 year old mother or Ortega Palacios, is very concerned over her son's welfare. She was advised by doctors that her son needed some X-Rays taken and the prison officials say that these are not urgently needed. Also, the vitamins prescribed by the doctor, have only been given once, since they are not available at the prison.

Jorge Luis Ortega has been denied the rights granted prisoners, due to a hunger strike in which he participated from September 2nd to the 17th, last year.

By Odalys Ivette Curbelo Sanchez, CubaPress correspondent in Pinar del Rio.