Alarming Repression Against the Ladies in White in Cuba

Alarming Repression Against the Ladies in White in Cuba / Forum for
Rights and Freedoms
Posted on May 3, 2015

The repression against the Ladies in White, opposition activists and
human rights defenders in Cuba, that we have seen during the last couple
of weeks is alarming. The increase of violence from the authorities has
come as a result from the exercise of the right to public protests and
from the public exposure of the faces of political prisoners. Beatings,
physical abuse and various types of torture have become routine. In only
a few weeks, the numbers of arrests have skyrocketed and they now exceed
several hundred.

The Forum for Rights and Freedoms and Civil Rights Defenders raise a
warning regarding the deteriorating situation for human rights defenders
in Cuba, and we note with great concern the indifference of the
international community, especially from the US government, the EU and
the Vatican, of which the latter played an active role in the talks
between the Cuban government and the US administration.

The current actions by the Cuban government are a response to the
silence of the international community.

In accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – of which
Cuba is a signatory – the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights – which the government of Raul Castro has signed but not ratified
– and, as the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful
assembly and of association, Maina Kiai has recently explained clearly
in his final report; states shall ensure the full exercise of freedom of
assembly, association and peaceful demonstration.

The Forum for Rights and Freedoms and Civil Rights Defenders call on the
international community to act against the dangers that Cuban human
rights defenders are facing. It is time for the American and European
governments, usually eager to improve their relations with the Cuban
government, to use their influence and speak out against the worsening
violations of human rights in Cuba.

Antonio G. Rodiles, Coordinating Committee, Forum for Rights and Freedoms
Erik Jennische, Programme Director for Latin America, Civil Rigths Defenders

For more information on the repression against Damas de Blanco/Ladies in
White on April 26 2015, follow the link

Source: Alarming Repression Against the Ladies in White in Cuba / Forum
for Rights and Freedoms | Translating Cuba -
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