Detentions in Cuba after Fidel Castro’s Death
HAVANA TIMES – More than 20 Cuban opponents of the Castro government were arrested, harassed or threatened in Cuba after the death of Fidel Castro, including graffiti artist “El Sexto”, who is still under arrest, a Cuban human rights group denounced on Monday.
According to a report of the illegal but tolerated Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation (CCDHRN), some opponents were “severely beaten” for their activities, following Castro’s death on Friday November 25th at age 90.
The report, released by the organization’s founder, Elizardo Sánchez, points out that, in addition to Danilo Maldonado, “El Sexto”, two graffiti artists from the central province of Villa Clara were also arrested. Likewise two women opponents in Holguin, in the eastern region.
Other dissidents were detained for several hours and then released, the statement said.
In the case of Maldonado, a well-known street artist, “he was physically abused hours after Fidel’s death for referring to it in an “inappropriate” manner,” the report says.
“A number of peaceful citizens ran the same fate throughout the country,” he adds.
The other two graffiti artists arrested in Villa Clara are Orlando Triana and Carlos Gonzalez.
The detentions contained in the report that refer to dates after Castro’s death correspond to November 26 and 27.
The monthly report indicates that during the whole month there were 359 arrests, in addition to ten cases of physical aggression and 50 “acts of harassment”.
The CCDHRN notes that “the death of Fidel Castro, the main architect of the totalitarian model of government that has prevailed in Cuba for nearly 60 years, will not lead to reforms that serve to improve the terrible situation of civil and political rights on the island.”
The group led by Elizardo Sánchez is the main non-governmental group that collects information on the human rights situation from within the socialist island.
Well, it is a Communist country, and it is a well known fact that opposition is not tolerated. So did these protestors expect to be left alone if the voiced their view points?? So these people must have willingly exchanged their freedom for the opportunity state their opinion. Brave on their part.
Why is he an asshole, because his views don’t agree with yours??? He didn’t commit the acts, he just stated his opinion.
And WHY will we in the USA may be about to find out??? I hardly thinks so. Get a Grip pal.
Beating and arrest deserved for “inappropriate” comments? That is what regimes run by thugs do (as we in the USA may be about to find out firsthand soon). Congratulations for being an asshole.
El Sexto got what he deserved. His actions and comments were inappropriate during Fidel’s family and friends in their time of sorrow. Even the ladies of white didn’t do their usual Sunday march out of respect for those grieving his death.
Repression of those brave people who openly oppose the Castro family communist regime has been continuous for fifty eight years. Whereas in the past they were put in front of firing squads, today in an endeavor by the regime to indicate that they have become more enlightened, such people are imprisoned.
Dissent in Cuba is a crime. The answer to those who wish to lead a quiet life in Cuba is:
“Don’t challenge the system, accept it, stay mute and exist.”
Fidel the Tyrant is dead, but the Tyranny lives on.
Viva Cuba Libre!