English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
Of all the independent journalists and bloggers, perhaps there are no more than 150 across the entire island. Yet many of us should polish our style. Sometimes we think well, but rhyme poorly. On occasion, the words drown us. And the majority lack resources to engage in active journalism or maintain a blog on the … Continue reading “The Power of Small Things / Iván García”
Right now, Teófilio Roberto López, age 66, is out of his mind. He ambles like a lunatic doing the paso doble along the edges of his farm, located a stone’s throw from the National Highway. Lopez is on the razor’s edge. All of his possessions, erected with sacrifice and with the help of his eight … Continue reading “Waiting to be Evicted by Force / Iván García”
To speak of liberation — in this case of the release of prisoners — through a third-party also has advantages. Mainly because neither the Catholic Church in Cuba nor the representative of the Spanish state have the power to say anything about the legal means for implementing it. Analyzing the current situation, the criminal responsibility … Continue reading “Liberation or Exile? (II)”
A press release from the Archdiocese of Havana on July 8 announced the release, over the course of three to four months, of 52 of the 75 political prisoners convicted in summary trials in April, 2003. Twenty-three had already been released on medical parole. The releases were the result of an unprecedented dialogue between President … Continue reading “Liberation or Forced Exile?”
Recently the Archbishop of Havana announced the release of 52 political prisoners over the course of three to four months. A rather strange act, this being a secular state. In turn, Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, told reporters that those released will travel to his country, and once they are out of … Continue reading “Too Much Uncertainty to Claim Victory”
The announcement of the liberation of 52 political prisoners was described by some as “great news”, while others received it with caution and even suspicion. However, the legal grounds for the release, an event considered to be the most significant of its type in a long time, remained unclear. It would be incorrect to speak … Continue reading “Libertation or Exile?”
The release of 52 political prisoners, who had been sentenced in 2003 to between 6 and 28 years, caused joy on the one hand, and skepticism on the other. The Archbishop of Havana issued a communique, and Miguel Angel Moratinos, Foreign Minister of Spain, gave statements to the press. What is missing is the official … Continue reading “Shadowy Scenario”
On July 7, The People’s Provincial Tribunal of Havana responded to the group of independent lawyers who filed suit against the Justice Minister, Maria Esther Reus González. In the response (which was delayed because of a backlog in the chamber) the judge, Alfaro Guillén, Esq., and the lay judges, Núñez Valdés and Figueredo Ramos, required … Continue reading “Complaint Against the Justice Minister Advances”
In the second half of April 2003, 75 dissidents were arrested and sentenced after summary trials. These cases were processed under Law No. 88, “For the Protection of the National Independence and of the Economy of Cuba.” The dissidents received sentences varying between 6 and 28 years of imprisonment. Internationally, these events were called “The … Continue reading “Legalisation of Repression”
In principle, States enjoy sovereign power, which they are able to express through the actions of their government bodies and the enactment of laws. The latter are the suitable instrument for exercising their right to prescribe crimes and penalties (the right to punish). But it is disturbing how the Cuban government uses the coercive force … Continue reading “Using the Criminal Law for Political Purposes”
In Cuba, the power to administer justice belongs to the People’s Courts. The Supreme People’s Court (TSP), under Article 121 of the Constitution of the Republic, is the highest judicial authority and its decisions are final. But it is not recognized as the highest organ of “the People’s Power.” Not having the status as the … Continue reading “Judicial Power in Cuba”
To consent means to express, explicitly or implicitly, agreement with something. A decision that is legally binding, because one assumes rights and obligations. This way, the consent becomes a requirement of the capacity to act. The capacity to consent is subject to restrictions. Principally, when the consent is given by a non-emancipated minor, a deaf-mute … Continue reading “Freedom to Decide? (I)”
The Cuban Legal Association, an organization of independent lawyers, lodged a complaint on 24 June before the Second Chamber of the Civil and Administrative Popular Provincial Tribunal of the City of Havana, against Justice Minister María Esther Reus González, for refusing permission for the legal constitution of the guild. The event, described as exceptional by … Continue reading “Government Representative Sued for Impeding the Exercise of Freedom of Association”
I looked at the picture of the political prisoner Ariel Sigler, taken after his release from prison. I closed my eyes, while various feelings swept over me. Once again I felt the reaction of the effect of his example. I wiped away the tears and composed myself. I tried to imagine the future, before shouting … Continue reading “Whispers in the Wind”
“Ungrateful! Talking trash about the Revolution and today you have a name only because it gave you free health care and education. Besides, it guarantees you a monthly allotment of basic goods while around the world millions of people die from hunger every day.” “You know, I don’t like talking bad about anyone behind their … Continue reading “No Problem”
