Freedom of Conscience / Cuban Law Association, Odalina Guerrero Lara

By Lic. Odalina Guerrero Lara

In Article 55 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba, it establishes that: the State, that recognizes, respects and guarantees freedom of conscience…

There is no doubt as to these three aspects: RECOGNIZE, RESPECT AND GUARANTEE on the part of the State for Freedom of Conscience.

What I learned one day as an Attorney is that I am denied this by the actions of Cuban Government officials. Conscience implies being aware and is established in the Basic Law, that I have freedom of conscience, so why do they continue harassing me?

  • On 13 September 2011, when I was interviewed by agents of State Security, they threatened to demoralize me before the Cuban people, my family and especially my children for the mere fact of belonging to the Cuban Law Association and being in compliance with the purposes for which it was created.
  • Since July of this year they have been bothering me about the issue of MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, someting about which I always answered I have nothing to argue, bring, signal, much less get involved in everything that has to do with that topic.
  • Different officials have been assigned to deal with me and have appeared my house and have intercepted my family on the street to tell me the reasons why I should be involved in the election process.
  • As a CUBAN CITIZEN WITH FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE, I ask for respect for my constitutional rights, to act as I think, and not to be forced by law to get involved in local elections in Cuba.

October 29 2012