01-09-2012
New incarcerations for political dissent have not stopped.
Members of dissident group "Ladies in White" pray after a Mass and
before the group's weekly march at Santa Rita church in Havana, Cuba,
Sunday Oct. 16, 2011. The group continues to face harassment by
government officials and pro-government groups.
In an ideal world, the Cuban government would adopt "respect human
rights" as its New Year's resolution. Alas, the Cuban government remains
stubbornly opposed to democratic principles, human rights, and
fundamental freedoms.
New incarcerations for political dissent have not stopped. In December
2011, The Government of Cuba used harassment, detention and assault to
block dozens of human rights activists, journalists, and others from
observing International Human Rights Day. Members of the Damas de
Blanco, winners of the Department of State's 2011 Human Rights Defenders
Award, continue to face harassment by government officials and
pro-government groups. Despite government claims to the contrary,
independent human rights groups estimate that more than 60 political
activists remain in Cuban jails.
There have been a few positive glimmers: Cuba's year-end release of 2900
prisoners and the announcement of some economic measures that could
provide a greater degree of economic independence and relief to the
long-suffering Cuban people. However, Cuba still has a long way to go.
When it comes to human rights, the basic outline of Cuba's political
system has not changed. One party rule brooks no dissent and jail awaits
those who dare speak out.
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