Miguel Galbán's Health Condition Worsens

By María López, Lux Info Press

Havana, October 24, 2003 (www.cubanet.org) - The health situation of Miguel Galbán Gutiérrez is considered deplorable according to political prisoners in cells next to the isolation hall La Polaca (The Polish Lady), in Agüica Prison in Matanzas Province.

Alexis Rodríguez wrote his wife that Galbán is in very bad shape and they think this is the main reason why his family's visit, due last October 21, was not allowed.

For more than a month Galbán had swelling of the liver and was having constant diarrheas, nauseas and a sharp pain in the upper part of his abdomen. According to his fellow inmates, several tests for hepatic enzymes were performed, but still an ultrasound test is pending.

Galbán Gutiérrez, 38 years old, was operated in 1998 and the spleen and a lobe of his liver were excised. Presently he is physically handicapped.

The conscience prisoner had the position of Vice-Director of the National Center for Labor and Union Training and also worked as an independent journalist when he was arrested and sentenced to 26 years of imprisonment in the last repressive wave during March and April.