Short Trip Down Memory Lane / Miriam Celaya

Recently, a friend and regular reader of our blog made a comment about a very controversial post in which he argued that the Mariel migration was triggered by the fact that “two Cubans launched a bus against an embassy in Havana.” In effect, that action was the public and visible event, but in any case, … Continue reading “Short Trip Down Memory Lane / Miriam Celaya”

Cries of Freedom / Rebeca Monzo

Last night at a gathering at the home of friends, there was a lot of talking and speculating about the cries of freedom that came from the Middle East. This made all of us who were there question the different implications of why on my planet apparently nothing happened, and no one decided to take … Continue reading “Cries of Freedom / Rebeca Monzo”

Rebirth of Flavors / Yoani Sánchez

Timid colored awnings spring from nowhere and under newly opened umbrellas fruit smoothies and pork rinds are sold, while the doorways of some homes are turned into improvised snack bars with striking menus. All this and more is growing in the streets of my city because of the new flexibility for self-employment. Some of my … Continue reading “Rebirth of Flavors / Yoani Sánchez”

The Repression Against Dissidents Intensifies After the Prisoner Releases / Laritza Diversent

After his speech before the National Assembly, in which Raul Castro warned that “there will be no impunity for the enemies of the homeland,” the repressive and intimidating actions against opponents have intensified. Troops from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) and State Security (SE) agents selectively arrested several dissidents near the Malecón on the 5th … Continue reading “The Repression Against Dissidents Intensifies After the Prisoner Releases / Laritza Diversent”

Will the Prisons be Filled Again? / Iván García

It is a likely probability.  It is known that the Castros are unpredictable.  At times, they attempt to behave like brothers respectful of international norms.  The truth is the rules of democracy and human rights agreements are instruments against which the government in Havana holds grudges. The three-way negotiations between General Raul Castro with the Cuban … Continue reading “Will the Prisons be Filled Again? / Iván García”

Repression as Signs of Identity / Miguel Iturría Savón

From the silence, the impunity, and with the same contempt for the activists who promote human rights in Cuba, the political police triggered the arrests and threats in Havana and other cities in the country, between July 10 and August 12, which coincides with the resumption of activities by ex-president Fidel Castro and the official … Continue reading “Repression as Signs of Identity / Miguel Iturría Savón”

Impunity, an Order from the General / Luis Felipe Rojas

Photos:  Luis Felipe Rojas Before General Raul Castro had even finished giving his discourse before Cuban legislators on August 1st, his armies had already rushed on more than twenty human rights activists in the Eastern region of the country.  The indiscriminate hunt had arrived.  The purpose was so that these activists would not reach Holguin, … Continue reading “Impunity, an Order from the General / Luis Felipe Rojas”

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”

Ernesto Mederos Arrozarena

Perhaps, dear reader, this name may remind you of little or nothing, but for me, and for all of us who have the privilege of knowing him, it means a lot.  I met him a few months after being released from prison in 2007.  I had gone to Colon with my wife to visit her … Continue reading “Ernesto Mederos Arrozarena”