**For background, see IFEX alerts** On 26 June 1996, Norma Brito, spokesperson for Bureau of Independent Press in Cuba (Buro de Prensa Independiente de Cuba, BPIC), was summoned to State Security headquarters in Villa Marista. She was released a few hours later. On 24 June, BPIC interim director Lazaro Lazo was retained for nine hours […]
**For background, see IFEX alerts**
On 26 June 1996, Norma Brito, spokesperson for Bureau of
Independent Press in Cuba (Buro de Prensa Independiente de Cuba,
BPIC), was summoned to State Security headquarters in Villa
Marista. She was released a few hours later.
On 24 June, BPIC interim director Lazaro Lazo was retained for
nine hours in Villa Marista, threatened about his work with BPIC,
and questioned about other independent news agencies — Havana
Press and Cuba Press in particular. Lazo was also asked about
Suzanne Bilello’s stay in Cuba. Bilello, of the New York-based
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), was expelled from Cuba on
19 June, three days after her arrival. She was brought for
interrogation to Interior Ministry offices, and accused of
“fomenting rebellion” and supporting “counter-revolutionary
activities.” During her stay, Bilello had spoken with journalists
from independent news agencies (see IFEX alert of 21 June 1996).
Send appeals to Cuban authorities:
-urging that the detention of independent journalists cease, and
that they be allowed to work free from harassment
Appeals To
His Excellency Fidel Castro
President
Havana, Cuba
c/o the Cuban Mission at the United Nations
New York NY 10016, United States
Fax: +1 212 779 1697
or c/o the Cuban diplomatic representative in your country
(in the United States)
Cuban Interest Section
Washington DC, United States
Fax: +1 202 797 8521
(in Canada)
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
388 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1E3, Canada
Fax: +1 613 563 0068
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
