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Cuba's President Raul Castro Javier Galeano/AP/Press Association Images
Cuba
Cuban hunger striker dies in prison
The 31-year-old was protesting a four-year prison sentence imposed for his part in a demonstration.
3.48pm, 20 Jan 2012
3.0k
31
A CUBAN HUNGER-STRIKER has died in prison 50 days after beginning his protest.
Wilmar Villar, 31, was protesting a four-year prison sentence imposed for his part in a demonstration.
Villar was arrested in November and tried on several charges, including disobedience, resistance and crimes against the state, according to Elizardo Sanchez of the Cuban Commission of Human Rights.
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Sanchez said that Villar had joined an opposition group named the Cuban Patriotic Union last year, according to Reuters. The spokesperson also claimed that Villar had been placed in solitary confinement after being brought to jail, and endured difficult conditions which compounded the health problems that contributed to his death.
The rights group said that Villar was brought to hospital on 14 January and had died there after being critically ill for several days, reports the BBC.
Last year another dissident, Zapata Tamayo, died following a hunger stike. The Cuban government labelled Tamayo a ”common criminal” following his death.
The government is yet to remark on Villar’s death.
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The arrogance from the RTE studio prior to race was stomach churning, “he’s going to blow them out of the water”, “this is really about 2nd and third”, he’s going for the world record etc etc, no respect for the other athletes. Reminded me of how we were going to win the rugby world cup according to some. A little humility seems to be scarce in Ireland when the economy is booming. Wiffin is a class athlete, is olympic champion and why RTE surround him with their arrogance I don’t know and does him no favours or service.
@Eddie Garvey: RTE us a pathetic and egotistical entity that’s recently been effectively given a massive bailout. they’re unaccountable, Kevin doesnt give a rip about the Irish people, there was no major demonstration held to oppose them.
How are we supposed to stop an organisation like them if people are so docile? people need to wake up and accept that they’re as bad as the bbc.
@Eddie Garvey: It makes no difference to him as it is nothing to do with him. Some of the pundits/commentators are delusional but you seem to get that with the broadcaster from every country. They can see nobody else other than their guy. It’s not unique to Ireland. What does the economy have to do with anything also? lol.
@John Moore: with rte its pure dung…they had him to win before the race started…i wouldnt listen to them at all cause in a day they will put u in jail for not paying d tv license
@Eddie Garvey: Spot on Eddie ,they totally lost the run of themselves ,I’m old enough to remember a time at Olympics when we were grateful that none of our Swimmers drowned .
@Sergio Reddan: ‘Humility’ The buzz word of the night in some quarters. The meaning of which … the feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others…. The kinda attitude that makes World & Olympic champions for sure…
@Sergio Reddan: Confidence is what Irish Athletes need. The 100 maters men’s final was brimming with it last night. You have to believe in yourself, and Daniel and Rhys have it in spades. Stop the put downs. A Bronze in the Olympics games is magic.
Before dressing this article, I was thinking the same.
The two most dangerous expressions in sport are ‘it’s in the bag ” or “it’ll be a walkover”. He’s young enough to learn from this.
I wonder if the result would have been different if his coach hadn’t gone home earlier.
@Paul Moore.
Daniel is an amazing athlete. You think he has done something wrong with having self belief. He won Bronze, and that is no mean thing.
His confidence and belief in his own ability is so refreshing in an Irish Athlete.
@Means Of Escape: What. He’s 31, Daniel is only 23, and his time will come. If only the Irish can have some belief in our athletes and stop the knocking.
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