14ymedio, 5 May 2015 – During the month of April, at least 33 arbitrary detentions were recorded in Cuba, according to the report released Monday by the National Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation (CCDHRN). Although the figure represents a decrease compared with 610 cases recorded the previous month, the organization warns of increased police violence against opponents.
The CCDHRN especially condemns the assaults against members of the opposition group Ladies in White, which have intensified in recent weeks, with dozens of arrests every Sunday.
Throughout the month of April, the organization headed by Elizardo Sanchez also recorded 101 cases of victims of other forms of political repression on the Island, generally directed by the political secret police (physical attacks, harassment, vandalism and acts of repudiation).
The CCDHRN mentioned the incidents that occurred in the forums parallel to the Summit of the Americas in Panama, when representatives of pro-government organizations confronted dissidents. The “ruling totalitarian regime in Cuba showed its true face, beyond speeches and empty promises, and its decision to continue imposing the ruinous model of the [Communist] party and unique thinking,” explains the group in a statement.
“We continue have the worst situation in the entire hemisphere and our forecast is that there will be no improvements in the near future, unless some kind of legal and political miracle happens in our country,” the statement said.
The CCDHRN also demands an investigation into the murder of Yunieski Martinez, age 30, in the province of Matanzas, who was shot despite being unarmed, and holds an official of the Ministry of Interior responsible for the death.