(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is condemning the recent crackdown on the independent press in Cuba and the detention of fifteen independent journalists since 26 February 1999. Eleven of them remain in detention; two are missing and unaccounted for. ** Updates IFEX alert of 2 March 1999** According to local journalists in Cuba, the following journalists have […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is condemning the recent crackdown on the independent
press in Cuba and the detention of fifteen independent journalists since
26 February 1999. Eleven of them remain in detention; two are missing
and unaccounted for.
** Updates IFEX alert of 2 March 1999**
According to local journalists in Cuba, the following journalists have
been detained:
José Edel García Díaz, a reporter with “Centro Norte del País” based in
Caibarién, Villa Clara Province, was last seen on 25 February in Havana.
His whereabouts are unknown.
Efrén Martínez Pulgaron, “CubaPress” reporter in Havana, was detained on
26 February. He was held in the Technical Department of Investigations
in Havana and released today.
Lázaro Rodríguez Torres, a “HavanaPress” reporter in Havana, was
detained on 26 February by State Security agents who handcuffed him. He
was released on the evening of 1 March.
Marvin Hernández Monzon, a “CubaPress” correspondent in Cienfuegos, was
detained on 27 February and is reportedly being held in a Cienfuegos
police station.
Nora Naya, a Sagua La Grande, Villa Clara Province correspondent with
“Centro Norte del País”, was reportedly detained on 25 February.
Luis Alberto Lazo, Artemisa correspondent with “Agencia Nueva Prensa”,
was detained on 27 February and is being held in the prison of Alquizar,
Havana Province.
Omar Rodríguez Saludes, deputy director of Agencia Nueva Prensa, was
abducted from his mother’s home by State Security agents on 28 February.
He is being held in the Technical Department of Investigations in
Havana.
Odalys Curbelo Sánchez, Juan Antonio Sánchez, Orlando Bordon Gálvez, and
Héctor González Cruz, reporters with “CubaPress” in Havana, were
detained on 1 March at the home of González Cruz by State Security
agents. They were taken to the Playa Municipality police station.
Sánchez and Bordon Gálvez were released today.
Tania Quintero, a “CubaPress” reporter in Havana, was detained on 1
March and is being held in the Seventh Division headquarters of the
National Revolutionary Police in Havana.
Raúl Rivero, “CubaPress”‘s director, was detained on 1 March. He is
being held in the Playa Municipality police station.
Mercedes Moreno, director of Agencia Nueva Prensa, was detained on 1
March and is being held at a police station in Havana. She suffers from
asthma, and her colleagues are concerned for her health.
Jesús Díaz Loyola, a “HavanaPress” reporter in Havana, is reported
missing and is unaccounted for.
All fifteen journalists were detained to prevent them from covering the
1 March trial of Vladimiro Roca, Marta Beatriz Roque, Félix Bonne, and
René Gomez, who are charged with sedition. Lorenzo Páez Núñez, Juan
González Febles, Adela Soto, María del Carmen Carro Gomez, Fabio Prieto
Llorente, Jorge Olivera, Luis Lopez Prendes, Iván García Quintero, and
at least three other reporters were put under house arrest during the
trial, which ended around 10p.m.
In addition, State Security agents ordered reporters to clear out the
area in front of the courthouse, preventing the international press from
covering the trial.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the President urging him:
journalists who, exercising their rights under international law,
are seeking to cover an event of legitimate public interest
Appeals To
His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz
President of Cuba
c/o United Nations Mission
New York, NY
Fax: + 212 689 9073
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
