PINAR DEL RIO, July 6 (Víctor Rolando Arroyo, UPECI) - Dozens of
police and their dogs carried out a raid against food and refreshment vendors
congregated at the intersection of the Autopista with the road to San Cristóbal
early on July 5, in what police called "operation rake."
"The thing started when a bus stopped and special brigade police and
their dogs got off. The vendors who sell bread, pastries and refreshements took
off when they saw what was coming. They were fiercely persecuted by both police
and dogs," said one eye-witness who did not want to be identified.
Other eye-witnesses said several vendors were thrown on the ground by the
dogs. The vendors' merchandise was strewn about and several were arrested.
In addition, police made fun of their victims. "The agents' mockery
drew protests from others present, since the vendors are the only option for
thousands of travelers that await transport under the hot Sun for hours to get
home," said one witness.
In the Autopista's 90 kilometers between Havana and Pinar del Río,
there are only two government outlets in which travelers can get something to
eat and drink, if they have dollars.
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