Persecution Watchdogs Concerned as Pastor Goes on Trial in Cuba

Persecution Watchdogs Concerned as Pastor Goes on Trial in Cuba

A Protestant Cuban pastor, imprisoned for four months earlier this year,
is to go on trial in Havana on Monday 4 December charged with "Human
Trafficking".
by Jennifer Gold
Posted: Monday, December 4, 2006, 13:45 (GMT)

A Protestant Cuban pastor, imprisoned for four months earlier this year,
will go on trial in Havana on Monday 4 December, Christian Solidarity
Worldwide (CSW) has reported.

Pastor Carlos Lamelas is being charged with "Human Trafficking" but
observers believe he is being targeted for his outspoken calls for
increased religious liberty in Cuba. The public prosecutor is asking
that he be sentenced to nine years in prison.

Pastor Lamelas, the former president of the Church of God denomination,
a member of the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC), has stated that he and
his lawyer believe he will be found innocent of the charges because of a
lack of evidence on the part of the State. However, they expressed
concern that the public prosecutor is using Pastor Lamelas's application
to leave the country, which he made following his four month
imprisonment, as evidence against him, tells CSW.

Cubans who speak out on issues of human rights are often targeted and
scores have been arrested since a massive crackdown in 2003, reports CSW.

In 2003 more than 75 activists across the country were arrested and
given prison sentences of up to 25 years. The present case is unusual,
however, as thus far the Cuban government has not targeted religious
leaders for imprisonment. It is particularly noteworthy because of the
fact that Lamelas' denomination belongs to the CCC which historically
has enjoyed close ties with the Cuban regime.

Lamelas' case appears to be part of a wider move to restrict religious
freedom across the country. A number of pastors and priests have
reported increased government harassment and some have reported the
forcible closure or destruction of church buildings. At least one other
church leader, also from a denomination belonging to the CCC, was forced
to flee the country this summer and has applied for asylum in Europe,
says CSW.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, said, "We call on the Cuban
government to drop these charges against Pastor Lamelas and to allow him
to lead a normal life with his family, free from harassment. We hope
that the international community will pay close attention to this
process and if the trial goes forward that the various European
embassies in that country will request the right to attend and observe
the process. Our prayers are with Pastor Lamelas and his family during
this difficult time."

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/persecution.watchdogs.concerned.as.pastor.goes.on.trial.in.cuba/8594.htm