Minister Places Citizen in Indefensible Position / Laritza Diversent

Minister of Finances and Prices In July 2009, The Minister of Finances and Prices, a member of the Council of Ministers, ordered the confiscation of property obtained by Teófilo Roberto, the father of Antonio Roberto, during the period from 1998 to 2008. The action was taken under the authority of Decree-Law 149 (“Regarding the seizure … Continue reading “Minister Places Citizen in Indefensible Position / Laritza Diversent”

The Powers of the Minister of Finances and Prices are Unconstitutional and Arbitrary / Laritza Diversent

The Minister of Finances and Prices, Lina Olinda Pedraza Rodriguez, ordered the execution of a process of confiscation against Teófilo Roberto López Licor, 66, based on Legal Decree 149 “on the confiscation of goods and accumulations made through improper enrichment,” known as the Law Against the Newly Rich and its regulation, Decree No. 187, both … Continue reading “The Powers of the Minister of Finances and Prices are Unconstitutional and Arbitrary / Laritza Diversent”

My Own Vindication of Cuba / Ernesto Morales Licea

I think of Martí this very instant. I remember his fired up words on that document he named “Vindication of Cuba,” where, in name of the voiceless, the Master answered a diatribe of The Manufacturer newspaper that accused us of being inefficient and soft, weak on the thought of establishing a true nation. It also … Continue reading “My Own Vindication of Cuba / Ernesto Morales Licea”

Island Authorities Serve Notice That They Will Not Stop The Repression / Laritza Diversent

Following the release of 21 political prisoners, the Cuban government insists on reminding the dissidents and independent journalists that they will continue their repressive policies. On the morning of this past August 9th, Military Counterintelligence and State Security agents summoned independent journalist Iván García for an interview. The official summons is one of the means … Continue reading “Island Authorities Serve Notice That They Will Not Stop The Repression / Laritza Diversent”

Hearing at the Supreme Court / Yamil Domínguez

Written by: Yadaimí Domínguez On August 10, the hearing was held before the Supreme Court to review the Appeal brought by our family and promoted by the First Vice Minister of Justice. When the doors of the courtroom opened, we family and friends who had been waiting an hour for this tense moment began to … Continue reading “Hearing at the Supreme Court / Yamil Domínguez”

Request for Review Presented to the Minister of Justice

Havana, April 26, 2010 “Year 52 of the Revolution.” To: Director Maria Esther Reus Gonzalez Minister of Justice I, Ines Ramos Napoles, resident of Calle 4, number 119, between 1st and 3rd Playa, Havana, with ID Number 40012108557, in the name of my son, my family and myself, request the URGENT REVIEW of case No. … Continue reading “Request for Review Presented to the Minister of Justice”

Criticism Can Be a Crime (II)

Juan, a commentator, told me he had sent a “Down with Fidel” email to the newspaper Granma, knowing that it is a crime in Cuba. He asked me what sanction they would impose if they found out who he is. First, I don’t believe that the Cuban authorities are going to pursue him for sending … Continue reading “Criticism Can Be a Crime (II)”

On the Edge of the Precipice

In Cuba we live on the edge of a precipice. If you want to get by, you have to take risks. In almost every sector of Cuban life you have to resort to illegal activity to be able to survive. Market shortages in freely convertible currencies have become a frequent prospect. Furthermore, its normal to … Continue reading “On the Edge of the Precipice”