Cuban dissident speaks

Despite symbolic gestures to the contrary, the human rights situation in Cuba has actually deteriorated in the last three months. At least according to Cuban human rights activist Juan Carlos González Leiva. He's a blind lawyer and runs the Cuban Foundation for Human Rights, which has a network of 50 rapporteurs across the Island reporting to the central office in Havana. I spoke to him in Havana over the phone on February 29. The interview is in Spanish.

González Leiva says repression has actually increased since December, when Cuba first announced its intention to sign up to two UN Human Rights treaties. In the weeks between the announcement and the signing of the treaty a fortnight ago almost 300 people have been arrested and detained for a short period. At least 2 dissidents were sentenced to prison terms.

During the visit of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's Foreign Minister, peaceful demonstrators were beaten by police and several tens of Christians were barred from attending the church service performed by the cardinal, according to González Leiva.

Below you can find the full story in Dutch, or listen to the interview in Spanish by clicking here.

In brighter news, Reuters had a peek at documents yesterday, which promise the availability of more home electronics, including computers. Let's hope that means more bloggers.
Incidentally, electric toasters won't be allowed until 2010....

Het blijft knokken op Cuba 1. Klik op de foto om de tekst te lezen.

Het blijft knokken op Cuba - pagina 2.