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FROM
CUBA
Heavy police presence in Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA, Cuba, October 29 (Dolores
Reyes García, Cubanacán Press
/ www.cubanet.org) Citizens of Santa Clara
have felt a heavy police presence since
October 25.
Police, along with inspectors of the National
Tax Office, of the Provincial Labor Directorate,
and of the National Auditing Office, and
other quasi governmental organizations such
as the Committees for the Defense of the
Revolution, have been closely examining
people and activities that could be construed
as engaging in illegal activities.
Hundreds have been stopped in the streets
to have their bags and persons searched.
Many government-operated businesses have
been scrutinized and self-employed persons
have been earmarked for special attention.
Many of the latter complain they have been
fined up to 1,500 pesos, or that they have
had their licenses revoked.
Authorities have also singled out street
vendors, many of whom try to make do without
any licenses or permits. They have also
carried out home searches, confiscated items
and detained people accused of illicit enrichment.
Just walking through the city, one can
see groups of agents wearing vests clearly
labeled POLICE on the average every two
or three blocks. They typically stop passersby,
whether they be on foot, bicycle or car.
Versión
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