Ananova.com. November
20, 2000
The relatives of seven Britons being held in Cuba on suspicion of spying say
their loved ones are being treated well.
The group includes six men from a private investigations company -
reportedly hired by a woman to spy on her wealthy Cuban husband who she
suspected of adultery - and the girlfriend of one of the men.
In a statement released through the Foreign Office, the immediate families
said they had been in direct contact with the group, who were detained last
month but have yet to be charged with any offence.
It said: "We have had confirmation from a number of sources, including
from the detained themselves, that all are being treated well by the Cuban
authorities."
The statement continues: "All the families concerned only hope and pray
that matters will be resolved swiftly thus ensuring their return to the United
Kingdom.
"The continued support that we have received from the British Foreign
Office and the British Consul in Havana has helped us through, to date, a
traumatic and unusual experiences.
"Please send our gratitude to the Cuban authorities and should we be of
any assistance on any matter of concern, we would be glad to co-operate."
The identities of four of the men have been confirmed as Ken Lodge, boss of
SIP Investigations, Snaresbrook, east London; Jonathan Fawcett, also from
London; Derek Pitt, of Hertfordshire, and Mike Lacorte. The other two men and
the woman have yet to be officially named. They are all from the south east.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are hoping for the Cuban
authorities to complete their investigations as soon as possible and for the
detainees to be either released or charged."
The Cuban Charge d'Affaires, Oscar De Los Reyes, was summoned to explain why
the group had not been given access to British Embassy officials after they had
been detained for 17 days. The Cuban authorities have since agreed to regular
access for the seven to the British Consul.
Last updated: 16:57 Monday 20th November 2000.
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