Letter from Mexican political prisoner Fernando Barcenas
Fernando Barcenas is an 18 year old political prisoner from Mexico who has been detained since December 13, 2013 for allegedly setting the Coca Cola tree in Mexico City on fire during a protest against transportation fair hikes. Fernando economically supports his mother, so his incarceration has affected his family’s ability to make ends meet.
To donate to Fernando, please wire donations to Banco Azteca: 78731304951452 to the name Ana María Castillo (Fernando’s mother). Below is a translation of an open letter he wrote from prison.
December 27th, 2013
To the student community
To all freedom fighters who fight with heart
To the people of Mexico .
I am writing this communique as a cry for help, amidst all the injustices . It’s been 14 days since my detainment and I am still cloistered between the four walls of this cell that represents my current situation. I have been removed from the short term entry area , which bring me increasingly further away from fighting for my freedom . Reconnecting my situation to the larger social framework is to realize that I am I am crucified by the system that is increasingly oppressive.
I call for gestures of solidarity to emphasize my situation as a political prisoner of the state, as well as to communicate my full support of the struggle towards freedom that imprisoned comrades of October 2nd are undertaking, who also find themselves incarcerated in seclusion.
Being imprisoned is like being living dead, as one’s life is kept underground via false accusations and fabricated grievances that profile us as criminals.
That is why with this statement I pronounce that I am a free student, a social warrior, and above all a humanitarian.
I appreciate the support of all those still in struggle against the injustices of the system and all the people who have not left my side.
Thank you so much
To your health and freedom,
Political Prisoners to the streets !
Down with the prison walls !
Fernando Luis Barcenas Castillo
la semilla negra 