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United States Condemns
Continued Repression in Cuba
State Department reiterates
its support for dissidents denied freedom
USINFO,
May 8, 2006.
Washington - The United States condemns
the continued repression of Cuba's dissidents
by the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro,
and looks forward to a day when basic freedoms
are enjoyed by all Cubans, according to
the U.S. State Department.
On May 8, State Department spokesman Sean
McCormack condemned the Cuban government's
recent harassment of peaceful dissidents,
including those individuals who were prevented
from participating in an April 25 videoconference
sponsored by the U.S. Interests Section
in Havana.
In one case, a Cuban state agent entered
the home of dissident leader Martha Beatriz
Roque and attacked and injured her. In a
related incident, dissident Elsa Morejon
Almagro was shoved inside a taxi by two
self-identified government security agents
and forced to return home.
Those dissidents who did participate in
the videoconference also were subjected
to harassment. Felix Bonne was confronted
by a government-sponsored mob when he returned
home from the event. The mob threatened
to drag him through the streets if he continued
his peaceful activities.
In an April interview with the Washington
File, one State Department official voiced
objections to the Castro regime's repression.
"The U.S. government deplores these
thuggish tactics aimed at preventing Cuban
citizens from exercising the basic rights
enjoyed by people in democratic nations
throughout the world," the official
said. "The United States looks forward
to the day when freedom of thought, expression,
and movement are enjoyed by all Cubans."
On May 8, McCormack reiterated U.S. support
for Cuba's dissidents, including those victims
of the Castro regime's crackdown on 75 dissidents
in the spring of 2003. (See related article.)
"As we mark some of the grim milestones
of the Cuban regime, including the third
anniversary of the 'Black Spring' crackdown,
and the 12th year in jail for political
prisoner Francisco Chaviano, the United
States reiterates its support for these
brave individuals and all those in Cuba
who are being deprived of the freedom they
desire and deserve," McCormack said.
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