It’s easy to get caught up in the “all american success story” of Supreme Court Justice nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Latinos, specifically Puerto Ricans are glowing with pride at the historic achievement. However, in the shadow of this “American Dream” is the reality that there are Puerto Ricans in U.S. Federal Prisons for defending the sovereignty of the island nation that Sonia Sotomayor parents came from.

From my amigos at ProLibertad:

Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Avelino Gonzalez Claudio is being denied medical treatment! Since his incarceration, he has developed a neurological condition. In November 2008, Avelino requested, several times, medical attention receiving only a “I do not know”, “I will read some books” answer from the Doctor assigned to his facility.

Not to get all conspiracy theory-like, but it is a fact that the United States has historically conducted experiments and tortured political prisoners. Take for example the case of Pedro Albizu Campos who was given intense radiation against his will.

We cannot let our brother suffer! COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING LETTER AND MAIL or FAX IT TO JEFFERY E. MCGILL! SHOW HIM AVELINO HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE MOVEMENT!

After the jump you will find the text of the letter. We cannot let Sonia Sotomayor’s story be the only story of Puerto Rican identity shown. justice isn’t about making it to the top. It’s about community.

Jeffrey E. McGill
Warden
Northern Correctional Institution
PO Box 665
Somers, CT 06071
Fax: 860-763-8651

RE: Avelino González Claudio N.C.I. # 357422

To Warden Jeffrey E. McGill:

I am writing to express my concern about the serious violations of the rights of Mr. Avelino González Claudio, an inmate at your facility, to adequate medical evaluation & treatment.

Avelino González Claudio was placed in Northern Correctional Institution on February 2008. Since then, he has developed a neurological condition. Beginning on November 2008, Mr. González-Claudio requested, several times, medical attention receiving only a “I do not known”, “I will read some books” answer from the Doctor assigned to your facility.

This treatment is a flagrant denial of Mr. González Claudio’s basic human rights. This treatment is also seriously detrimental to his deteriorated health condition.

In order to ensure Mr. González Claudio’s health, I insist that he immediately be afforded adequate evaluation & treatment for the medical condition that he has developed under your custody.

Sincerely yours,

____________ _________ _________
Signature

____________ _________ _________ ____________ _________
Name Date

____________ _________ _________ __ ____________ _________ _________ ___
Address
Cc: Theresa C. Lantz Mary M. Marcial
Commissioner Director
Connecticut Dept. of Correction Programs and Treatment Division
24 Wolcott Hill Road Connecticut Dept. of Correction
Wethersfield, CT 06109 24 Wolcott Hill Road
Fax 860-692-7783 Wethersfield, CT 06109
Fax 860-692-7495

James Bergenn
Shipman and Goodwin, LLP
One Constituion Plaza
Hartford, CY 06103-1919
Fax 860-251-5219