Cuba USA
Armando Betancourt arrested
From the Committee to Protect Journalists :
New York, May 30, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the detention of independent Cuban journalist Armando Betancourt who was arrested a week ago while covering the evictions of dozens of families from their homes in the central city of Camagüey, sources told CPJ.
On May 23, authorities forcefully evicted families allegedly occupying homes illegally, according to local sources. Betancourt, a reporter for the news agency Nueva Prensa Cubana in Camagüey, was arrested along with several people who were protesting the evictions, a relative told CPJ. The journalist did not participate in the protests, according to several sources.
At the time of the arrest, Betancourt identified himself as a journalist, sources told CPJ. The journalist handed over his notes before he was pushed into a truck and taken into custody, they said
The journalist is being held at a local police station on the outskirts of Camagüey, CPJ sources said. Authorities confirmed the detention to a family member on May 24, but relatives have not been allowed to visit him, a relative said. Police told Betancourt’s family that the journalist would be charged with aggravated public disturbance and could be sentenced to prison.
“We are outraged by the arrest of our colleague who was arbitrarily detained solely for doing his job,” CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said. “We call on Cuban authorities to immediately release Betancourt and the other 24 journalists who are currently imprisoned.”
More information on Cuba’s imprisoned journalists.
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Cuba USA
Armando Betancourt arrested
From the Committee to Protect Journalists :
New York, May 30, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the detention of independent Cuban journalist Armando Betancourt who was arrested a week ago while covering the evictions of dozens of families from their homes in the central city of Camagüey, sources told CPJ.
On May 23, authorities forcefully evicted families allegedly occupying homes illegally, according to local sources. Betancourt, a reporter for the news agency Nueva Prensa Cubana in Camagüey, was arrested along with several people who were protesting the evictions, a relative told CPJ. The journalist did not participate in the protests, according to several sources.
At the time of the arrest, Betancourt identified himself as a journalist, sources told CPJ. The journalist handed over his notes before he was pushed into a truck and taken into custody, they said
The journalist is being held at a local police station on the outskirts of Camagüey, CPJ sources said. Authorities confirmed the detention to a family member on May 24, but relatives have not been allowed to visit him, a relative said. Police told Betancourt’s family that the journalist would be charged with aggravated public disturbance and could be sentenced to prison.
“We are outraged by the arrest of our colleague who was arbitrarily detained solely for doing his job,” CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said. “We call on Cuban authorities to immediately release Betancourt and the other 24 journalists who are currently imprisoned.”
More information on Cuba’s imprisoned journalists.
- Close Guantanamo—then Give It Back To Cuba
by Amy Goodmansource truthdig This week marks the 13th anniversary of the arrival of the first post-9/11 prisoners to Guantanamo Bay, the most notorious prison on the planet. This grim anniversary, and the beginning of normalization of diplomatic relations...
- Plaza De Mayo Grandmother Meets Parents Of 43 Missing Mexicans
Source TeleSur Argentine activist Estela de Carlotto expresses regret that such things happen even under “constitutional governments.” Estela de Carlotto (L), president of the Argentine human rights organization Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo (Grandmothers...
- Dr. Dasi Ferrer's Wife Arrested (updated)
From Ziva at Babalu: 2:20 PM - I was able to get through and spoke with Yusnaimi's brother. He said that she left for the march around 10:30 AM EST with another 3 persons. Before she was able to reach the Parque Villalon, where the demonstration...
- "four Years Since Cuba Crackdown: Release Activists Still In Prison"
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Health of dissident worsens From Religion en Revolucion: By Stefan J. Bos The health of a leading Christian Cuban prisoner of conscience has "significantly worsened," amid abuse inside the detention facility where at least one person was killed in...