More than 50 dissidents held in Cuba sweeps

[Freddie Stubbs]

At least 15 of those arrested in July are still in custody, human-rights groups say.

By GARY MARX
Chicago Tribune


HAVANA – In the harshest crackdown on dissent in two years, Cuban authorities have detained more than 50 opposition figures in recent weeks and encouraged government militants to disrupt opposition activities.

At least 15 dissidents arrested in July remain in custody, and several of them face up to 20 years in prison for threatening to undermine Cuba's communist government, according to Amnesty International and other organizations.

On Friday, more than 60 pro-government militants gathered outside the home of Vladimiro Roca, a prominent dissident leader, shouting "worm," "traitor" and "terrorist" as they prevented Roca from holding an opposition gathering.

The same day, government supporters surrounded the homes of two other dissidents, one of whom planned to attend the meeting at Roca's house.

more: http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/08/18/sections/nation_world/mexico_latinamerica/article_638908.php

[bribri16]

1. Good, Cuba is practicing their own Patriot Act. n/t

[seeminer21]

2. Outrageous!

I can't believe this is still going on.

[K-W]

3. I bet Republicans are jealous.

They havent yet gotten enough power to start rounding up liberals.

[seeminer21]

4. LOL

Not yet.....

[Vogon_Glory]

5. Fidel Is Very Good At Repressing Dissenters, Not So Good At

Fidel Castro seems to be very good at repressing dissenters, but not so good at providing his people with a better standard of living.

Right-wingers may say that this is reason enough to boycott Cuba. The trouble is that we can all think of worse places with worse regimes that are in Gee Dubya's good graces.

[wli]

6. coming soon to the US, courtesy of Bushler n/t