Search results for: Berta Soler

Cuban Dissidents: Some in the Trenches, Others Applauding / Ivan Garcia

Iván García, 27 January 2015 — The shifting political landscape of the Middle East is probably more complicated. No doubt it is. But given the spectacular diplomatic about-face on December 17 between Cuba and the United States — two sparring nations huddled in their respective trenches since the Cold War — the White House was not expecting … Continue reading “Cuban Dissidents: Some in the Trenches, Others Applauding / Ivan Garcia”

US Congressional delegation meets with Cuban activists and independent journalists /14ymedio

14ymedio, Havana, 19 January 2015 — On Sunday afternoon a dozen activists and representatives of Cuban civil society met with the American congressional delegation visiting Cuba. Chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy, the group was able hear diverse opinions in response to the announcement of the reestablishment of relations between the two countries. A member of the … Continue reading “US Congressional delegation meets with Cuban activists and independent journalists /14ymedio”

Activists present proposals for the next phase of US / Cuba relations

14ymedio, 16 January 2014 – This Friday, almost 300 activists, artists, journalists, academics and trade unionists representing diverse groups within the Cuban opposition presented a roadmap of proposals for what the civil society movement hopes to see beyond the reestablishment of US/Cuba diplomatic relations. The statement by the Forum for Rights and Freedoms was presented … Continue reading “Activists present proposals for the next phase of US / Cuba relations”

Forum for Rights and Freedoms / Estado de Sats (see endnote)

Announcements made by United States President Barack Obama and his administration have sparked an intense controversy about the Cuban conflict. Many opponents and civil society activists, within the island and in exile, have lamented, especially, the lack of transparency and the unilateral and unconditional nature of the new measures. It is indisputable and indispensable that … Continue reading “Forum for Rights and Freedoms / Estado de Sats (see endnote)”

We Shall Fight to the End for the Liberty of Cuba / Cubanet, Ernesto Garcia Diaz

Leaders of the opposition call Obama’s reconciliation with the Cuban government a “betrayal” during a press conference in Havana Cubanet, Ernesto García Díaz, Havana, 18 December 2014 — From the headquarters of the Estado de SATS project in Miramar, on Wednesday afternoon (12/17/14), Cuban opposition leaders held a press conference for national and international media, … Continue reading “We Shall Fight to the End for the Liberty of Cuba / Cubanet, Ernesto Garcia Diaz”

At Least 34 Activists Detained In Cuba on Human Rights Day / 14ymedio

14ymedio, 10 December 2014 — At least 34 activists have been detained so far in various locations of the country on the occasion of the celebration of Human Rights Day this Wednesday. In Havana are reported some 20 arrests of opponents who tried to reach the meetings opposite the Yara room, one of the headquarters … Continue reading “At Least 34 Activists Detained In Cuba on Human Rights Day / 14ymedio”

Lady in White Sonia Garro and two other activists released / 14ymedio

14ymedio, Havana, 9 December 2014 — On the afternoon of Tuesday, 9 December, Sonia Garro, Ramón Alejandro Muñoz and Eugenio Hernández were released from prison and are now in their respective homes. In a clear political gesture, Raul Castro’s government has given way before national and international pressure demanding the immediate release of the Lady … Continue reading “Lady in White Sonia Garro and two other activists released / 14ymedio”

A New Women’s Opposition Group is Born in the East: Citizens for Democracy / 14ymedio

14YMEDIO, Havana, 10 September 2014 – A schism with the Ladies in White has given birth to a new women’s group called “Citizens for Democracy.” Last Monday, during the feast of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, the recently created movement held it’s first public activity with a pilgrimage of seventy women to the Sanctuary … Continue reading “A New Women’s Opposition Group is Born in the East: Citizens for Democracy / 14ymedio”

Letter to Obama Sparks Controversy / 14ymedio

14ymedio, Havana | May 23, 2014 A letter published this week, signed by more than forty American personalities, asked Barack Obama to ease measures toward Cuba. In an unusual gesture of consensus, former senior U.S. politicians, military, analysts and businessmen advocate relaxing the embargo on the Island. Among the signatories are Republicans and Democrats who … Continue reading “Letter to Obama Sparks Controversy / 14ymedio”

30 Ladies in White Arrested / 14ymedio

Police Mount an Operation to Prevent a Meeting in Havana 14ymedio, Havana | May 23, 2014 As of midnight Thursday, the police deployed a strong operation around the headquarters of the Ladies in White in Havana. Once a month these women gather in a house on Neptune Street, for what they call a “literary tea.” … Continue reading “30 Ladies in White Arrested / 14ymedio”

Vice President Joe Biden Meets with Yoani Sanchez

The challenge for defenders of free expression on the island was the subject of a meeting between the well-known blogger Yoani Sanchez and the vice president of the United States Joe Biden. Both communicated news of the meeting from the Twitter accounts (@VP for the vice president and @yoanisanchez for the blogger), with an attached … Continue reading “Vice President Joe Biden Meets with Yoani Sanchez”

Sacristan Arrested for Protecting Ladies in White / Calixto R. Martinez Arias

HAVANA, Cuba. — Roberto Pupo Tejeda, sacristan of the Catholic Church, was arrested and mistreated by officials of the State Security Department (DSE). “I was in the Church participating in the Sunday Mass, and I went out to observe the walk of the Ladies (in White),” said Pupo Tejeda, referring to the customary walk that … Continue reading “Sacristan Arrested for Protecting Ladies in White / Calixto R. Martinez Arias”

I Defend My Lawyer / Rene Gomez Manzano

Havana, Cuba, February 2014 – Last week disturbing news circulated throughout the Cuban dissident community: The top permanent body of the National Organization of Collective Law Firms (ONBC) suspended Amelia Rodríguez Cala—the great defender of accused opponents of the regime—from practicing law for a period of six months. As the days passed, additional details about … Continue reading “I Defend My Lawyer / Rene Gomez Manzano”

Declaration of Cuban Civil Society Activists Joining Forces in Madrid

Madrid, February 26, 2014 For recognition of the legitimacy of Cuba’s independent civil society We, activists of independent civil society, have agreed to promote a representative group to act as a channel of dialogue with international institutions and other potential partners. Since the ratification of our commitment to peaceful methods to achieve the Rule of … Continue reading “Declaration of Cuban Civil Society Activists Joining Forces in Madrid”

Opponents’ Attorney Can’t Practice / Lilianne Ruiz

HAVANA, Cuba – The attorney Amelia Rodríguez Cala, hired by Gorki Águila to conduct his defense — in a trial against him still unscheduled since it was postponed on 11 February — has been suddenly sanctioned to six months without the ability to practice her profession in court. For this reason, the singer of the … Continue reading “Opponents’ Attorney Can’t Practice / Lilianne Ruiz”