(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned by reports of death threats issued to detained journalist Carlos Alberto Domínguez. According to the independent Cuban news agency CubaNet, Domínguez has smuggled a message out of Valle Grande prison stating that he was threatened by a junior official from the Interior Ministry named Ricardo. […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned by reports of death threats issued to detained journalist Carlos Alberto Domínguez.
According to the independent Cuban news agency CubaNet, Domínguez has smuggled a message out of Valle Grande prison stating that he was threatened by a junior official from the Interior Ministry named Ricardo. The note claims that the official told the journalist, “Te voy a rajar al medio.” The phrase is Cuban street slang signifying in this case that the official was going to kill Domínguez.
The journalist’s note adds, “At any moment this official, who has already threatened me on other occasions, could make an attempt on my life. I fear for my safety.”
Domínguez, a journalist for the Agencia Cuba-Verdad news agency, was arrested on 22 February 2002 after attending a mass for Cuban political prisoners. He is currently detained in Valle Grande prison, Havana, awaiting trial. It is believed that he is to be charged with disorderly and disrespectful behaviour under Articles 144 and 200-1 of the Cuban Penal Code. International PEN holds the Cuban authorities responsible for Domínguez’s safety.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to President Castro:
– calling for Domínguez’s immediate release
– urging the Cuban authorities to launch an investigation into the alleged threats and have any perpetrators brought to justice
Appeals To
His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruíz
President of Cuba
c/o Cuban Mission to the United Nations
New York
NY, USA
Fax: +1 212 779 1697
Please also send a copy to the Cuban representative in your country and copy appeals to the source if possible.
