Justice Minister Names Legal Representatives / Laritza Diversent

The Justice Minister Maria Esther Reus González, issued Aug. 6, Resolution No. 215, which names two counselors at the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS), Dr. Diego Fernández Cañizares Abeledo and Attorney Nelia Caridad Aguado López, experts from the ministry, to act without prejudice to its final completion, in the administrative proceeding brought against her, before Second Civil and Administrative Board of the Provincial Peoples Court of the City of Havana by independent jurists.

Attorney Wilfredo Vallín Almeida, president of the Cuban Law Association, a union of dissident lawyers, asked the MINJUS Register of Associations on April 7, 2009, on behalf of his organization, for a certification which the state agency never issued. Reus Gonzales, designated by the Council of State in March 2007, is empowered to direct the operation of the National Registry of Associations, and to guide and monitor government policy on partnerships and foundations.

Counsel Almeida Vallín filed a complaint with the People’s Provincial Tribunal of the City of Havana, regarding its administrative silence before the Appeal submitted to the Minister, which still has not been responded to in accordance with the provision of Law No.54 “The Associations Act.” Last 28 July, the head of MINJUS received a summons from the tribunal requiring her to name legal representatives.

September 9, 2010