Monday, August 25, 2008

From Black Sheep of Exile: Gorki Is Arrested


The police has just picked up Gorki, in Havana. In a few more minutes I will be posting more about this, please contact all your friends and acquaintances and let them know that Gorki is in danger.

Well, Ciro just called to let me know that security forces have put Gorki in a patrol car and are apparently taking him to the police station; he is following the patrol car on his bicycle and will call me shortly; that's all for now. Earlier in the day, at approximately 10:00 AM, I had spoken to Gorki and he informed me that Ciro was on his way to his house and that they intended to record a duo for only one song, because Gorki wasn't feeling very well due to congestion in his lungs and difficulty breathing. It was at that precise moment, when they were about to record the song, that the police arrived accompanied by the delegate [from the Assembly of the People's Power]. [Charlie Bravo]

Ciros's Eyewitness Account:

Just as we were about to begin recording the song, we heard a knock at the door. Gorki opened the door and from the bedroom I heard someone ask, "Are you citizen Gorki Aguila?" It was a policeman who requested that Gorki accompany him and told him that he was only following orders.

The policeman continued to address him in a courteous fashion. I followed them to the police sector and waited at the corner lest they should decide to arrest me as well and there be no one left to relay the news of Gorki's arrest.

When the patrol car had left I approached the arresting officer who was still there and asked him where Gorki had been taken. He answered the station at 3rd and 62nd, popularly known as "La Quinta."

On my way back I met with Gorki's father, who on learning the news of his son's arrest became very nervous and proceeded to "La Quinta" to inquire about him.


Comment Left on Yoani's Blog by Charlie Bravo:


Gorki has been arrested for peligrosidad (social dangerousness) and under this judicial farce he will be tried on Thursday. They are asking for 1-4 years. He is currently held at the police station located at 3rd and 62nd, the notorious "Quinta Unidad" [Fifth Unit] of the PNR [National Revolutionary Police]. The local delegate of the Assembly of the People's Power is behind this, and as we know this is Gorki's punishment for having the balls to denounce the dictatorship. His arrest deserves to be denounced energetically as well.

[This comment has not yet appeared on Yoani's blog though it was left more than an hour ago].


From the band's website:

FREE GORKI!
[Victim of] Cowardice and Repression

A few minutes ago the Castroite police arrested Gorki Luís Aguila Carrasco, leader of the band Porno Para Ricardo, in his house when he was preparing to record the last songs from the band's forthcoming album.

Ciro, the guitarist of the group, followed the police car on his bicycle to the station where the government henchmen had taken Gorki, who is not in good health and was, at the time of his arrest, making a great effort to record the remaining songs.

Gorki has an inflammation of the lungs and difficulty breathing, and was taken from his house without an arrest warrant by a policeman who said he was following orders from a certain Jesús, a delegate in the Assembly of the People's Power. Everything was done in the best Communist manner.

On Saturday morning we had been exchanging ideas on the design for the new record cover and opinions about the some of the songs, as well as discussing details related to the production of the album, the layout of band's website and cracking jokes.

Naturally, independent creative activity in Cuba is rewarded only with persecution, search warrants and orders of arrest carried out by the dictatorship's organs of repression.

Ciro's Eyewitness Account:

"Just as we were about to begin recording the song, we heard a knock at the door. Gorki opened the door and from the bedroom I heard someone ask, "Are you citizen Gorki Aguila?" It was a policeman who requested that Gorki accompany him and told him that he was only following orders.

"The policeman continued to address him in a courteous fashion. I followed them to the police sector and waited at the corner lest they should decide to arrest me as well and there be no one left to relay the news of his arrest.

"When the patrol car had left I approached the arresting officer who was still there and asked him where Gorki had been taken. He answered the station at 3rd and 62nd, popularly known as "La Quinta."

"On my way back I met with Gorki's father, who on learning the news of his son's arrest became very nervous and proceeded to "La Quinta" to inquire about him."

This is nothing new. As our fans will remember, there was a previous attempt to fabricate a case against Gorki, who was arrested under false charges and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment. On that occasion Havana Blues was being filmed here and the regime jailed Gorki in order to prevent him from taking part in this documentary about Cuba's new independent underground music scene. In truth, Gorki's only crime was having the balls to condemn the tyranny's human rights violations and the illegitimacy of a hereditary regime imposed on the Cuban people 50 years ago.

This is no more than a continuation of the harassment to which Gorki has been subjected by the police and the delegate of the People's Assembly, who are assisted by vulgar neighborhood chivatos (informants). Only two months ago, on June 17, Gorki was taken to a police station by the same delegate, who threatened him with jail for his "anti-social" conduct in a rather thuggish manner as is evident from the secret recording made by Gorki of the interrogation, where his own refusal to abandon his art or to sign a confession admitting to his alleged peligrosidad (social dangerousness) can also be heard as well.

This latest episode of intimidation and persecution comes just as Porno Para Ricardo was in the middle of recording their newest album, which eliminates any possibility that this renewed repression could be a "coincidence."In Cuba, the voice of the brave is routinely silenced by the regime, which never hesitates in using intimidation and force.

Therefore, in keeping with the climate of oppression which reigns in Cuba, we have been informed by Gorki's father that he will be detained until Thursday, when he will be tried for peligrosidad (social dangerousness) and that the sentence that will be imposed upon him may range from 1 to 4 years. This is the price that one pays in Cuba for bravely trying to live as a free man in a country that is not free, for thinking for one's self and speaking one's own mind.


Latest News:

As you all know, Gorki is being kept in the holding cells of the infamous police station known as "La Quinta."

They are keeping him incommunicado, his father has taken numerous trips to the precinct to no avail, they have not allowed him to see his son.

Gorki has a young daughter, who is also under the stress of not knowing what is happening to her father or what is in store for her and her grandfather if Gorki is smeared in court and convicted of the crime of thinking independently and speaking his mind.

At this point, all we know is that Gorki will be tried summarily with no charges, but under the accusation of social dangerousness, or for proclivity to commit a crime — in Cuba, the sole fact that you have not died under the restrictions imposed on the population makes you a criminal, because buying food on the black market is illegal. Let alone having the balls to speak your mind, let alone having the fortitude to think independently.

From today to Thursday a lawyer has to be located, a lawyer that has no fears to represent a criminal like me — or as a matter of fact, like you and Gorki. Yes, because to the government of Cuba, all of us are dangerous criminals who have a lethal weapon in our minds, and the proclivity to use said weapon against them.

A Gorki Legal Defense Fund will be established at the the band’s site. Please help his cause by visiting the donation area and tag yours as Gorki Legal Defense Fund. [Charlie Bravo]

http://pornopararicardo.com/


CNN takes note:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/08/26/cuba.singer/

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Manuel, for your unflagging support.
Ciro, Hebert, Renay and Charlie Bravo.

Anonymous said...

FREE GORKI YOU ASSHOLES!

Vana said...

Of course almost as if they knew, they pick a day Gorki is not feeling well in need of meds you know the regime will not provide, we knew this was forthcoming because Gorki and his band say it like it is, they pull no punches, this is a sad day all's left to us now is to pray and reach as many people as possible, may God have mercy on him cause the regime wont.

Angel Garzón said...

Vana, you're spot on with your comment. For my part, I have said before that while I do not in any way, shape or form condone or agree with the material delivery method of the band, which I find profoundly lacking in just about any modicum of morality and civility, I wholeheartedly support the band members' right to express themselves as they see fit, provided that they do so at the proper forums and with the content warning that their material requires at their website(s), I am not referring to their political material if any, I am clearly making reference to their overtly pornographic material, which is something that I personally find to be extremely distasteful.

That the detention and almost certain delivery of a guilty verdict by a kangaroo court that lacks the representation of Gorki's peers has taken place at this time is no accident or coincidence, time and again the Casstro tyranny has demonstrated a cunning ability for understanding and manipulating public and global opinion to their best advantage, and just as predictably the members of the fledgling Cuban pro-democracy movement have chosen to ignore this most important aspect of life that must always be observed, whether in Cuba or in Red China or wherever, timing is of the essence, especially when confronting or fighting against a totalitarian regime, a regime that as I mentioned earlier is masterful at manipulating and using public world opinion.

With so many events and circumstances taking priority in the hearts and minds of the people who could perhaps offer tangible assistance to the likes of PPR and effectively demand that some modicum of respect for human rights be shown and applied to the dissidents, it is imperative that such dissidents employ the same level of measured and selectively timed actions to achieve the highest possible positive results and global recognition and hopefully support for their cause, Vana has very wisely stated that "...we knew this was forthcoming...", the PPR guys are not lacking in intelligence, wits and ingenuity, so I am going to assume that it has been their passion for a free and democratic Cuba, as well as, their fervor for freedom of expression that has served as a catalyst for this ill-timed effort to put the final touches on the production of their latest work, once again our brethren who are virtual inmates in the island-prison that our motherland of Cuba has become, have fallen victims of the cunning and deceptive traits of the tyranny's goons.

Never underestimate your opponents, especially not your mortal enemies my brothers and sisters, for you would do so at your peril, propicious timing is essential. I will pray for Gorki and the rest of the PPR members, hopefully what us mere mortals may not be able to accomplish with our actions, will be delivered by God almighty, my Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. ¡¡¡Viva Cristo Rey!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Manuel for your support....

Aqui, nuestra campaña para la creación de un fondo legal para la defensa de Gorki:

Como ya sabems todos, Gorki esta preso en la tristemente celebre estación de policía conociada como la Quinta.
En este momento esta incomunicado, su padre ha ido en varias ocasiones a verlo, y no le han permitido ver a su hijo.
Gorki tiene una hija, la cual tambien esta bajo la presión de ver a su padre preso, de no saber lo que le esta sucediendo y sobre todo, poque no se sabe que puede pasarle a ella y su abuelo si Gorki es difamado en la “corte” y condenado por el solo crimen de pensar independietemente y de atreverse a expresar sus pensamientos.
En este momento todo lo que sabemos es que Gorki sera juzgado sumariamente por cargos de “peligrosidad y predelictividad” -en Cuba, el solo hecho de que uno no se haya muerto bajo las restricciones inhumanas impuestas por la dictadura sobre la poblacion constituye prueba de que uno es un criminal, porque comprar alimentos en el mercado negro es ilegal. Y ni habar de tener los cojones para hablar del gobierno o de pensar independientemente.
Hay que encontrar un abogado de aquí al jueves, uno que no tenga miedo de representar a un criminal como yo, o como tu, o como Gorki. Si, porque para el gobierno de Cuba todos somos criminales que tenemos un arma letal en la mente, con la proclividad de usar tal arma en su contra.
En el sitio web de la banda se establecera un Fondo para la Defensa Legal de Gorki. Por favor, ayudemoslo, visiten el area de donaciones de la pagina y escriban Gorki Defense Fund en el mensaje que acompaña a su donación.

As you all know, Gorki is being kept in the holding cells of the infamous police station known as “The Fifth”.
They are keeping him incommunicado, his father has taken numerous trips to the precint to no avail, they have not allowed him to see his son.
Gorki has a young daughter, who is also under the stress of not knowing what is happening to her father or what is in store for her and her grandfather if Gorki is smeared in court and convicted of the crime of thinking independently and speaking his mind.
At this point, all we know is that Gorki will be tried summarily with no charges, but under the accusation of social dangerousness, or for proclivity to commit a crime -in Cuba, the sole fact that you have not died under the restrictions imposed on the population makes you a criminal, because buying food in the black market is illegal. Let alone having the balls to speak your mind, let alone having the fortitude to think independently.
From today to Thursday a lawyer has to be located, a lawyer that has no fears to represent a criminal like me -or as a matter of fact, like you and Gorki. Yes, because to the government of Cuba, all of us are dangerous criminals who have a lethal weapon in our minds, and the proclivity to use said weapon against them.
A Gorki Legal Defense Fund will be established at the the band’s site. Please help his cause by visiting the donation area and tag yours as Gorki Legal Defense Fund.

Vana said...

Manuel and Charlie:

How in heavens name are we going to find in Cuba an attorney that will defend Gorki the way it should be done? we know they don't exsist, they are all at the mercy of the regime, I will contribute to his cause but we all know this is water under the bridge, hopefully if nothing can be done for Gorki the money will go to his family, let's keep our fingers crossed and pray.

Vana said...

Angel:

Del tirano di todo di mas
Jose Marti

I do not find PPR offensive because those words are directed at the regime, any thing untoward directed at those goons is alright with me.

Anonymous said...

Vana, there will be a time for us to talk about the lawyer(s) and then, in the future, there will be a time to honor the men and women who has taken over the task to defend the weakest and most abused by the regime, at the expense of their own liberty.... That's all can be said at this time.
Manuel, thanks so much for the constant support.

Anonymous said...

A response in-kind to Cuban employees of embassies, etc. would be appropriate if carried out until his release. If they wish to kidnap innocent civilians, their employees, etc. should also be considered for collateral action. Action of some sort which would adversely affect Cuban "government" employees on foreign soil would be the morally correct action to take.

Anonymous said...

So anonymous, are you suggesting terrorist attacks against Cuban diplomatic facilities and their employees?

Watch yourself, since your ISP can be easily traced.

Anonymous said...

So, Manuel how about Yoani, has she posted anything to help free Gorky yet

Anonymous said...

Update:
Gorki is still being held incommunicado, which is illegal, even under current Cuban "law". There's no reason to prevent his 75 year old father, and his young daughter from seeing him, when he is held under no real charges or solid accusation. Until now, he has no contact with people other than his fellow prisoners, his jailers and captors.
I use the opportunity to thank everybody in the name of his father, Luis, who asked me to transmit his most heartfelt words of thanks for all of you who have so generously supported Gorki's cause.
Charlie Bravo

Anonymous said...

Gracias!
Nosotros los miembros de Porno Para Ricardo, Renay Kairús, Hebert Dominguez y Ciro
Díaz que estamos juntos delante de la computadora en este preciso instante, queremos
agradecer la intensa solidaridad que hemos recibido en las últimas horas. Es emocionante
saber que uno tiene tantos amigos que se preocupan por uno y en este momento de desamparo
judicial en el que nos encontramos la mayoría de los cubanos y que sufrimos nosotros
estos dos últimos días, ayuda mucho saber que no estamos abandonados espiritualmente.

Charlie Bravo

Anonymous said...

Please sign this letter to the Cuban musicians....
And we should ASK very LOUDLY where the hell are the Cuban musicians in EXILE?????

http://penultimosdias.com/2008/08/26/carta-abierta-a-pablo-milanes-y-otros-musicos-cubanos-a-proposito-de-la-detencion-de-gorki-aguila/#comment-28444

Charlie Bravo

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

link to the open letter

Charlie Bravo

Anonymous said...

mensaje urgente de la banda:
Mensaje de Porno Para Ricardo



El cantante de la banda punk rock cubana Gorki Águila Carrasco fue detenido el lunes 25 de agosto por la mañana para ser juzgado por peligrosidad sin cargos contra él. A nadie se le ha permitido ver a nuestro compañero de música y hermano Gorki.

Águila fue detenido sin informársele el motivo, unas horas después su padre Luis Águila supo que en tres días le iban a celebrar un juicio por peligrosidad ciudadana o conducta predelictiva. Para los que no conocen este término, se trata de una ley que permite sancionar a personas a condenas de uno a cuatro años basándose solamente en la convicción policial de que es un potencial delictivo.

Aun tratándose de una ley injusta, no existe razón alguna para considerar a Gorki una persona peligrosa en ningún sentido.Gorki Águila trabaja cuarenta horas semanales en un taller estatal, nunca ha robado ni atentado contra alguien y cuida de su hija de 12 años con devoción.

Gorki fue condenado cuatro años a prisión con anterioridad bajo cargos falsos de los que cumplió dos. Luego de salir en libertad condicional continuó su trabajo musical y las letras de Porno Para Ricardo se volvieron más críticas e irreverentes. Esto no fue tolerado por las autoridades que comenzaron un largo período de acoso policial que finalizó con su actual arresto y próximo juicio utilizando la justificación de una inexistente peligrosidad ciudadana.

Gorki Águila está a punto de ser sentenciado en un juicio, y el motivo real es que expresa en sus canciones su inconformidad con el sistema político cubano en pleno y justo derecho de sus libertades como ser humano.

Invitamos a todas las personas que quieran ayudar a Gorki a escribir a este correo para pedir al gobierno su liberación: webmaster@one.gob.cu



Ciro Javier Díaz Penedo (guitarra)

Hebert Luis Domínguez Brito (bajo)

Reanay Kayrús Pérez (batería)

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I am posting as anonymous, like in the previous messages for problems with my access....
Charlie Bravo.

Anonymous said...

So, Mansuelo how about Yoani, has she posted anything in her web site to help free Gorky yet

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I am posting as anonymous, like in the previous messages for problems with my access....
Charlie Bravo.

Hey Charlie, what are those problems

Is your blog still off limit

Anonymous said...

THANKS TO GORKI AND CHARLIE BRAVO BUCL Resurrected ALIVE AND KICKING

Campaign on behalf of Gorki Aguila

We are launching an emergency campaign in support of the Cuban dissident punk rocker Gorki Aguila who was arrested in Havana yesterday and is reportedly going to stand trial for "dangerousness" on Thursday. Aguila could face up to 4 years in prison if the Cuban kangaroo court deems it.

For those who aren't aware, Aguila is the front man for a punk rock group called Porno Para Ricardo whose lyrics are harshly critical of the regime and its many abuses. He's never cowed under the extreme pressure that the dictatorship exerts and that's why he's one of our heroes.
The purpose of BUCL is to pool resources (money) to amplify our message. In order to put an official press release on the news wires it takes about $500 and we also like to do a Spanish release on the Hispanic news wires which effectively doubles the cost. We are looking for 20 sponsors at $50 each. If you are interested drop us an email.

Posted by Bloggers United for Cuban Liberty at 9:30 PM 1 comments Links to this post

Labels: Free Gorki Campaign


Mansuelo your $50 is welcome

Anonymous said...

Se lo llevaron, porque nada desestabiliza más a los intransigentes que un hombre en su estado más libre. En la quinta Unidad de policía -3ra y 62, Playa- donde los delincuentes se alternan y una taza de baño es una quimera dolorosa, rasga Gorki las cuerdas de su rebeldía. Es un tipo raro, todos lo notan; más raro aún en una sociedad donde el modelo del “hombre nuevo” es la versión, a color, del tonto del aula.
Gorki concentra el atractivo que no tienen sus censores: canta, se contonea y grita en sus cruentas letras de rock lo que otros balbucean con miedo. Tiene una habitación forrada con cartones de huevo que le han regalado, porque sumando los recibidos en el mercado racionado no hubiera podido empapelar ni un armario. Está acusado de un delito salido del guión del filme “Minority Report”; incriminado bajo el eufemismo de “peligrosidad pre-delictiva”. Traducido al lenguaje de la realidad, significa que te ponen tras las rejas para que no cometas esa trastada que otros presagian.
En el caso de Gorki, la inculpación ha sido moldeada por un delegado de la circunscripción con delirios de James Bond, por una vecina a la que han “aconsejado” que haga la denuncia y por una comunidad que evita interceder por los “incómodos”. El jueves será la vista preliminar y sólo alguna ropa y objetos de aseo, que su padre le llevó, han podido entrar hasta donde lo tienen “guardado”. Hay pocas posibilidades de que el abogado defensor convenza al estricto fiscal que la melena de Gorki, sus canciones de rock y el ruido de su guitarra, no son más peligrosos que la inercia, el conformismo o la doble moral que lo envuelve todo.

*Más detalles sobre la detención en el sitio de Porno para Ricardo

Vana said...

Thank you Charlie for these updates on Gorki, like you I would like to know where our exiled musicians are, the sound of silence is deafening.

Anonymous said...

Manuel Fantomas is on board, he just posted a Free Gorki Video on his fine blog

All Cuban bloggers have responded well to Charlie's call

Except a few bad apples

Vana said...

Wow Yoani se la comio!

Anonymous said...

Vana, I'm with you girl. Will love to see Chirino, Alexis, Gloria, Emilio, Daddy Yankee, Sandoval, speak out in behalf of Gorki

Anonymous said...

Vana, it is time to act now. For just 50.OO bucks Bucl will start a new campaign . Are you ready to cooperate dear

Vana said...

Anon 12:12AM

I already contributed to the cause at PPR website, I will not contribute to BUCL.

Anonymous said...

Porno Para Ricardo and Charlie Bravo do not have a thing to do with BUCL, and the only official campaign to liberate Gorki is being conducted at their website. We have not been approached by anyone in BUCL and we do not know anything about their campaign and what do they plan to do with the funds they hope to collect. We are collecting donations, but mainly we are selling records by Porno Para Ricardo in order to establish the Gorki Legal Defense Fund and to contribute to his family. I repeat, we didn't' solicit by any means that BUCL or anyone else would be part of our campaign the campaign is ONLY conducted by Porno Para Ricardo on their website.
To the dismay of the organizers of BUCL we are proud to announce that we already contacted the press in several countries, the governments of those countries and prominent artists and musicians all around, including FREE MUSE and the Nobel institute with our own resources without asking for a penny to anyone.
Thanks but no thanks.

Anonymous said...

I already contributed to the cause at PPR website, I will not contribute to BUCL.

I can't understand why you will not contribute to Henry's BUCL The purpose of the BUCL campaign is to get more people involved I'm sure you want that to happen , right

Anonymous said...

By the way, it's funny how they use my graphics and my audiovisual to promote their "campaign" on Babalu. Even my words are used without attribution.

Instead, they should be asking the Cuban American "stars" why are they so quiet about this.

Anonymous said...

Derecho a replica.
Since I don't post in Babalu, I post here in the most read weblog by all Babalusians:Well, let's see if you post my reply to you, Henry.
(Curiously, I don't have your e-mail in my mail-box. I was directed to Babalu by someone else)

There's no accusation, I just pointed out at what you said, that you were campaigning on Gorki's behalf and asking money for it. It still does not have his authorization, or the band's authorization.

About "friendliness" I don't see how can I be friends with people who blatantly out us, and put our families and friends in danger in Cuba. That, by association, includes Gorki and the band.

You can do what you want, but you have not been authorized to do it on Gorki's behalf. You can do whatever you want independently, but nothing and nobody's gives you the right to use the name of somebody who is not acquainted to you, and who has not asked for any help or association with you.
There's no other cost associated to writing press releases than your own writing time. So, you can do it very well without asking for money on Gorki's name, given the impression that you are doing something for Gorki.
Yes, it's good to be redundant.

You are the one throwing the accusation of dishonesty here.
Which I will laugh off, because given the high degree of success of your campaigns I can afford to do so.

Next, you don't read my posts. Well, you can ask for a subscription to the Black Sheep of Exile. I maybe send you a courtesy invitation, I don't know. Ask around, maybe somebody copy the posts for reading pleasure.

I don't care what you do, as long as you don't use a Cuban in jail who has not authorized you to do so, as a bait to obtain money for your high geared campaigns. Google the results of our free campaign, and you will see how effective it has been. Do you want to contribute? Be my guest. But do not use Gorki or his name to ask for money for writing press releases.

As per his legal defense fund, we certainly will not accept money coming from you or your camp -you make your own definition of how wide your camp is if you want to do so. Aren't Cubans in the island cowards? Aren't they ball-less? Live up to those words now, help the ones who want to be associated with you, do not force your "solidarity" on those who don't want it or do not need it.

As per arguing, I am kind of busy trying to help Gorki and his family, and the band to release their next album in this critical moment. Maybe when we get to the end of this nightmare, I will argue with you if you so wish.
It could include a friendly game of chess, a cook-off, or whatever type of competition feels your heart with content.


Best,
Charlie Bravo

*feel free to publish this communication. I will do so, too.


An accusation and a response
As you can see from the post below we decided to throw a BUCL.org campaign together quickly to get the word out about Gorki's arrest and pending "trial" in Cuba. This was a gut reaction to what I saw in Ziva's post, in the CNN report and Maria Elvira's TV program in Miami last night. I received the email below late last night from a blogger that we used to be friendly with but now, not so much.

From: charlie@cubaunderground.com
Subject: You are not autorized to ask for money on Porno Para Ricardo's behalf.
Date: August 27, 2008 2:06:40 AM EDT
To: conductor@babalublog.com, gansibele@gmail.com
Reply-To: charlie@cubaunderground.com

Henry,
Porno Para Ricardo has not authorized you to ask for money on their behalf. You are free to ask for as much money as you want, but not on their behalf, since they never authorized you to do so.

I didn't authorize the use of my graphics on Babalu (Ziva's post) nor the use of my words (Ziva's post) or my audiovisuals (your post asking for "donations"). I don't want to give the impression that I am friendly with Babalu, because.... I am not. So, the same as I do not use any material remotely related to your blogging endeavors, leave mine alone, if that's not much to ask.

We -Charlie Bravo, Gorki, Porno Para Ricardo- are not by any slight chance or even by mistake associated with BUCL.

What follows is the official position of PORNO PARA RICARDO.

BUCL DOES NOT HAVE THE AUTHORIZATION OF PORNO PARA RICARDO TO ASK FOR MONEY TO ANYONE TO DO ANYTHING.

Porno Para Ricardo and Charlie Bravo do not have a thing to do with BUCL, and the only official campaign to liberate Gorki is being conducted at their website. We have not been approached by anyone in BUCL and we do not know anything about their campaign and what do they plan to do with the funds they hope to collect. We are collecting donations, but mainly we are selling records by Porno Para Ricardo in order to establish the Gorki Legal Defense Fund and to contribute to his family. I repeat, we didn't' solicit by any means that BUCL or anyone else would be part of our campaign the campaign is ONLY conducted by Porno Para Ricardo on their website.

To the dismay of the organizers of BUCL we are proud to announce that we already contacted the press in several countries, the governments of those countries and prominent artists and musicians all around, including FREE MUSE and the Nobel institute with our own resources without asking for a penny to anyone.
Thanks but no thanks.

And Google is your friend, look at the coverage that Gorki and Porno Para Ricardo have obtained without your campaigns.
By the way, why don't you ask for moral support and help to the Cuban American stars who are so silent about this? That would make for a good campaign for them to show a modicum of solidarity with their colleagues in Cuba.

Since you asked for money on the open, I will reserve my right to send this communication to whomever I see fit.

And now read my Spanish note for the lads:

Gorki, Ciro,
Para mi sorpresa acabo de descubrir que hay un grupito aqui pidiendo dinero para liberar a Gorki. No para pagar abogados o para ayudar a su familia, no, se trada de "liberar" a Gorki con "comunicados de prensa" lo cual ya hicimos gratuitamente en diversos medios de comunicacion, desde la television de la ciudad donde radica este grupo, Miami, hasta otros medios en distintos lugares, como Mexico, España, USA, Canada, Brasil, Francia, e Italia, mas websites independientes y medios latinoamericanos.
Le he dicho que la unica campaña de donaciones se hace a traves del website, y que lo que preferimos es que la gente compre los discos en lugar de dar dinero sin obtener nada a cambio, aunque claro tambien las donaciones puras estan bienvenidas.
Aclaro que Porno Para Ricardo no tiene nada que ver con la "organizacion" de estas personas, ni ha pedido nada de ellos, ni ayuda ni dinero.
Al final les digo que si quieren ayudar, podrian pedir apoyo moral y ayuda a los artisas cubanos en el exilio que se mantienen tan calladitos.

Saludos,
Charlie
This is my response:

From: conductor@babalublog.com
Subject: Re: You are not autorized to ask for money on Porno Para Ricardo's behalf.
Date: August 27, 2008 8:46:07 AM EDT
To: charlie@cubaunderground.com
Cc: val@babalublog.com

Charlie,

Let me explain something very clearly to you. I became aware of Gorki's arrest through Ziva's post because I don't read your blogs. I was not aware of any relationship you have officially with Gorki. I, like everyone else who has bought Gorki's music in the past was disturbed about the arrest. That said, the regime has engaged in a scheme of catch and release lately and I thought that perhaps that's what this was.

Then I saw the CNN article by Morgan Neil that said he was going to stand trial on THURSDAY. This elevated the sense of urgency in my mind. Gorki wasn't going to be released, he was going to be tried (and obviously convicted).

Last night on Maria Elvira's program, the former Cuban attorney Camilo Loret de Mola, was on and said that Gorki could be sentenced from 1 to 4 years and that the only way to prevent this from happening was through international pressure. Given the short amount of time I made a decision to launch a BUCL campaign.

Our efforts don't interfere in any way with yours (whatever they are):

1. Our readers and the people who give money for this are not generally your readers, this isn't taking money away from Gorki or your effort.

2. We have access to different people who can lend their voice to Gorki's cause, I know you do as well, but the more people the better.

I want you to understand something. I don't make any money on BUCL campaigns. In fact I've spent more than $500 of my own money during the three campaigns we've had to date.

Our biggest expense is putting press releases on the PR news wires. It costs just under $1000 to put a press release on the English and Spanish wires, more if you want the international circuit. I can't afford to do that on my own so we enlist the help of our readers and our contributors.

Gorki is a public figure and an important one. We have resources and contacts that we want to use to put that international pressure on the regime. Your description of our activities is at best inaccurate, and at worst, dishonest.

I'm not going to argue with you about this.

Sincerely,

Henry

Fantomas said...

Charlie Bravo said...
By the way, it's funny how they use my graphics and my audiovisual to promote their "campaign" on Babalu. Even my words are used without attribution.


So what are you Charlie the self proclaimed band manager now. You want your 20% commission check in the mail. Who do you think you are when you say " my graphics, or my audiovisual ...the effort to liberate Gorki is a simbolic one... it is not about Gorki alone, it is about the 11 million gorkies in Cuba we are fighting for


If someone is willing to help Gorki you should be happy with it

Por eso es que nunca acabaremos con la tirania porque siempre hay un hijo de puta que quiere coger el credito en todo...personal credit that is

Vana said...

Wonder what BUCL plans to do with the funds they are collecting and what is their goal? perhaps for Val's kitchen fund, remember he needed a banker not so long ago.

Anonymous said...

Fantomas, con tus miles de personalidades no tienes los cojones de ofenderme frente a frente.

No percibo un centavo -ni lo necesito- de mi trabajo con la banda, eso para comenzar. Y ademas, no soy el manager, pues la banda no tiene un manager, ni falta que le hace tampoco.

Para seguir, OVEJA NEGRA y otros tantos nombres, quizas mi ausencia, y mis otros posts te den una idea de cual es la respuesta a donde esta Charlie Bravo? que tanto te hacias.

Ahora sigue, y quizas los de Babalu te den unas palmaditas en el trasero.

Ah, una ultima cosa, about the Black Sheep being out of limits, it still is out of limits for you.

Charlie Bravo

Fantomas said...

Charlie comes mucha KK bro.. Mejor Callate y deja que la gente ayude a gorki como le salga de los cojones

deja el protagonismo ya que luces muy mal

Anonymous said...

By the way, no Cuban with a minimum of dignity should accept any association with anyone who says that the Cubans in the island are cowards, and ball-less jerks. Or that the island is just good for rum, whores, and beaches. Or who wants to starve the Cubans on the island so that they can descend triumphant onto Cuba. That was all done by fidel, didn't you know? Do you want another version of the same?
So, talk to those who really divide.
To those who discriminate against Cubans due to their date of arrival, due to their strange names and accents.
Talk to those who think that the Cubans in the island should drown in their own blood so the dried blood provides them with a red carpet for a glorious return. Talk to them Fantomas, go.
Be their good dog, they have a bone for you.

Charlie Bravo

Anonymous said...

Fantomas, I do not have time for people with room temperature IQ. Have a nice life.
Charlie Bravo

Fantomas said...

Ah, una ultima cosa, about the Black Sheep being out of limits, it still is out of limits for you.

Si entre ahi una vez fue mucho, no me interesa

Fantomas said...

So, talk to those who really divide.
To those who discriminate against Cubans due to their date of arrival, due to their strange names and accents.

Those people , if they ever go back to Cuba will not last one day there...you know why? They are OBSOLETE cubans...Not uptdated Cubans.... Ellos no podran bregar con la idiosincracia del cubano actual 2008 , la forma de hablar del cubano, le etica , la moral, la falta de valores religisos, la corrupcion, el color de los negros , los problemas morales, la falta de educacion , la vagancia comportamiento aprendido y resultado de la maldita dictadura ...y despues de todo diran , coño y por esto es que yo luche tanto en Miami , pa su escopeta, lo veras pasara y se marcharan de vuelta para Miami, asi que no te preocupes por eso

Fantomas said...

Fantomas, I do not have time for people with room temperature IQ. Have a nice life.


Charlie esto no se trata de IQ. Se trata de sentido comun. Creo realmente que tienes una opinion muy equivocada de quien soy yo, mis actuaciones , mis reaciones , mis motivos.

De una cosa puedes estar seguro, metetelo en tu cabeza de algodon, la razon de ser de Fantomas es precisamente para evitar el protagonismo personal el cual no quiero ni deseo y que a ti te gusta mucho

Si tienes un IQ elevado como you claim entonces usalo ahora y razona porque te digo esto

Y Recuerda en Cuba no hay un solo Gorky ... Hay millones de Gorkies

I'm Fantomas and I approve this message

lol

Fantomas said...

FREE GORKI!: Comunicado de Porno para Ricardo



27/08/2008 13:40



COMUNICADO DE PORNO PARA RICARDO



Hebert, Renay y Ciro los tres de Porno para Ricardo que quedamos de este otro lado de las rejas, denunciamos a los Órganos de Seguridad del Estado Cubanos por actuar impune y deliberadamente contra nuestro hermano Gorki Águila, para llevarlo a un juicio sumario en el que no se presentarán cargos y en el que se le pretende condenar por ser una persona "peligrosa".



La seguridad del estado ya no tiene limites para su cinismo; todavía nos parece increíble que quieran poner a Gorki preso porque les da la gana y ya. Al parecer, como han desertado tantos oficiales últimamente en el extranjero, se les habrá acabado la gente, para pensar en formas sutiles de encarcelar a las personas que les resultan indeseables. Ahora recurren al descaro.



Queremos también acusar de plagio a la Seguridad del Estado. Siempre nos están plagiando las ideas. Antes, cuando grabamos el primer disco, utilizábamos un lenguaje metafórico y rebuscado para burlarnos de ellos y ellos buscaron esta ocasión, una forma rebuscada de encarcelar a Gorki, con guión, actores y demás elementos del más clásico teatro policial cubano. Ahora, que hacemos textos mas directos, ellos te mandan directamente a la cárcel sin ningún tipo de representación teatral en franco plagio de nuestro estilo. Son unos copiadores. Los convenios de derecho de autor deberían contemplar el registro de estilos.



Por último queremos acusarlos de envidiosos. Nos tienen envidia porque cuadramos muchas mas jevitas que ellos que son unos militares de mierda en los que no se fijaría la mujer mas demente de este mundo; por eso se masturban tanto.



Ciro, Hebert y Renay, integrantes de Porno Para Ricardo
La Habana, madrugada del 26 de agosto del 2008



Cortesía de Laura García Freyre

Anonymous said...

Fantomas said...
Charlie comes mucha KK bro.. Mejor Callate y deja que la gente ayude a gorki como le salga de los cojones

deja el protagonismo ya que luces muy mal

8/27/2008 12:10 PM

Asi se habla fantomas, duro y sin tapujo. Charlie Bravo no es el dueño de la noticia de Gorki, ni de su encarcelacion o posible liberacion. El es uno mas en el struggle y se le agradece todo lo que hace

Anonymous said...

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