Amnesty International Calls For “Urgent Action” to Support Cubalex

Amnesty International Calls For "Urgent Action" to Support Cubalex
/14ymedio, Miami

14ymedio, Miami, 19 November 2016 –The non-governmental organization
Amnesty International (AI) called on Friday to take "urgent action" to
protect members of Cubalex, an NGO not recognized by the Cuban
government against which there has been a resurgence of actions.

"Since September, the Cuban authorities have intimidated members of
Cubalex, which provides free advice in Havana on legal matters and human
rights," AI said, detailing the raid on the organization's headquarters
where they confiscated laptops and documents," according the Cubalex
director Lartiza Diversent.

AI also mentioned the humiliating treatment of the security forces,
including forcing at least one woman to disrobe. In addition, the Havana
Provincial Prosecutor gave notice that Cubalex is under investigation
regarding taxes.

AI also detailed the testimonies of two members of Cubalex who were
summoned for interrogations, which lasted about an hour and 45 minutes.
The authorities have also summoned people who have taken advantage of
the legal advice offered by Cubalex.

"The director of Cubalex [Diversent] reported that in her recent travels
she had been detained and interrogated several times at the airport. She
believes that her home, which is used as a base for the activities of
Cubalex, is under surveillance," says the AI appeal.

The international organization calls on people to show solidarity with
the members of Cubalex, by writing letters, email, faxes or tweets, to
different Cuban officials on the island and abroad.

AI aims to sensitize international public opinion in order to allow
members of Cubalex "and all other lawyers and human rights activists" to
operate freely without harassment and intimidation.

Amnestey International also urges that the criminal justice system not
be used abusively, nor that civil litigation be used to attack or harass
human rights activists;

It calls for ensuring a safe and supportive environment in which it is
possible to defend and promote human rights without fear of retribution,
retaliation or intimidation.

Source: Amnesty International Calls For "Urgent Action" to Support
Cubalex /14ymedio, Miami – Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/amnesty-international-calls-for-urgent-action-to-support-cubalex-14ymedio-miami/