The United States is responsible for the health and physical integrity of Gerardo Hernández Nordelo

SINCE Wednesday, July 24 Gerardo Hernández Nordelo has been once again confined in the hole. On this occasion in particularly harsh conditions that are a grave danger to his health and physical integrity.

Incarcerated in a punishment cell, a minimum space that he is sharing with another prisoner, lacking ventilation, having to endure temperatures in excess of 35 degrees centigrade and without any contact with the outside world.

Agents from the FBI made it clear that they acted against our compatriot, who was placed in the hole by a decision on the part of this agency.

Throughout the whole prolonged legal proceedings against the Five the federal authorities have used similar procedures in order to obstruct their defense and justice. Right before every important decision our comrades have been isolated in the hole in order to make any communication with their defense lawyers impossible. History is now repeating itself at a point when Gerardo’s attorneys have lodged an appeal for habeas corpus, the final recourse left open to him within the U.S. system, which unjustly sentenced him to the barbaric term of double life plus 15 years. During the 12 years that have passed since his arrest, the U.S. authorities have prohibited any visits to Gerardo by his wife Adriana Pérez O’Connor.

Gerardo is maintaining his indomitable resistance, his unyielding will, his optimism and conviction of victory. He is a man who has just had his 45th birthday, but 12 years of internment in extreme conditions have begun to take their toll on his health. He is suffering from various disorders that have not been attended to and are prompting profound concerns for his well- being.

Since last April, Gerardo has been unsuccessfully asking to be seen by a prison doctor. That did not happen until Tuesday, July 20, when he was diagnosed with two serious problems and informed that additional tests were necessary. But, the next day, Gerardo was not admitted to hospital but confined in a brutal punishment cell. Since then, he has not seen the doctor and nor has he received any medical treatment whatsoever.

This situation must end immediately.

We hold the government of the United States responsible for the health and physical integrity of Gerardo Hernández Nordelo.
Let all of us, men and women, raise up our voices to save Gerardo, a hero to be admired, an innocent who merits being able to live in freedom.