The government seems intent on trying to intimidate all those involved in Concilio Cubano into giving up their activities which to our knowledge have been entirely peaceful, Amnesty International said today. The arrests started on 15 February in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent Concilio Cubano from holding a national conference this weekend. Even though the groups leaders have now agreed not to go ahead with the planned meeting, arrests and intimidation continue.
Trials also appear to be imminent.
Indeed, the trial of one of the national organizers, L zaro Gonz lez Vald s, was reportedly set for today. Amnesty International has received the names of some 60 activists belonging to groups that make up the Concilium who have been taken into police custody since 15 February. While some were released after a few hours or days with warnings of further imprisonment, others remain in detention. Many others have been kept under heavy police surveillance or have had their homes searched. Of the five-person national leadership of the Concilium, three remain in custody.