Detentions of Activists in Cuba 12-30-2014

Detentions of Activists in Cuba
Press Statement
Jeff Rathke
Director, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Press Relations
Washington, DC
December 30, 2014

We are deeply concerned about the latest reports of detentions and
arrests by Cuban authorities of peaceful civil society members and
activists, including Luis Quintana Rodriguez, Antonio Rodiles, Danilo
Maldonado, Reinaldo Escobar, Marcelino Abreu Bonora and Eliecer Avila.
We strongly condemn the Cuban government's continued harassment and
repeated use of arbitrary detention, at times with violence, to silence
critics, disrupt peaceful assembly and freedom expression, and
intimidate citizens.

Freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are internationally
recognized human rights, and the Cuban government's lack of respect for
these rights, as demonstrated by today's detentions, is inconsistent
with Hemispheric norms and commitments. We urge the Government of Cuba
to end its practice of repressing these and other internationally
protected freedoms and to respect the universal human rights of Cuban
citizens.

We have always said we would continue to speak out about human rights,
and as part of the process of normalization of diplomatic relations, the
United States will continue to press the Cuban government to uphold its
international obligations and to respect the rights of Cubans to
peacefully assemble and express their ideas and opinions, just like
their fellow members of civil society throughout the Americas are
allowed to do.

Source: Detentions of Activists in Cuba -
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/12/235550.htm