Jorge Luis García Pérez (Antúnez) Acceptance: 2009 NED Democracy Awards

On Wednesday June 24, the National Endowment for Democracy honored the heroic efforts of Cuban workers, lawyers, and writers working to advance democratic values and fundamental rights within Cuba with the presentation of its annual Democracy Award.

One of the honorees, Jorge Luis García Pérez (Antúnez), is a 43-year old leader of Cubas civic resistance movement who served more than 17 years in prison, having been released in 2007. During that period, his fellow inmates nicknamed him the black diamond because of his courage and unbreakable spirit. In A Word from the Opposition in the January, 2009 issue of the Journal of Democracy, Antúnez highlighted the Movements adherence to the principles of non-violent resistance as set forth by Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King. He is married to Iris Tamara Pérez Aguilera, another honoree.

Translated by Orlando Gutierrez

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Antunez Cuba Democracy
• Democracy Awards
• NED