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HUMAN RIGHTS
Civil Rights
Cuban authorities have seriously undermined the right to life. The first
measure imposed by Fidel Castro when he seized power in January of 1959
was the Death Penalty (previously prohibited). Through the following
five years, executions by firing squad became such a commonplace, daily
event that they were often graphically featured on television and in
newspapers. The "Revolutionary Tribunals" turned the first of Castro's
rule into a real reign of terror. In April of 1961, the government
enacted Decree 988 by which "executions can be carried out in less than
48 hours, without trial, against any individual caught engaging in
counterrevolutionary activities."
Even today, the Cuban Penal Code contains 19 articles by which the death
penalty can be imposed, 15 of them for political motives. Cuba laws are
so ambiguous and obscure hat the government can apply them arbitrarily,
as in Article 97, clause 3 that states: "Whatsoever engages in
recognizance activities, takes photographs or procures or obtains
information without the authorization of State Security, incurs a 10 to
20 years prison sentence or the death penalty." Note that law doesn't
clarify what type of information cannot be obtained nor what places
cannot be photographed.
The number of executions in Cuba can not be calculated due to the rigid
control of information that is in place, but a lawsuit presented in
Spain against Fidel Castro for "crimes and torture" in November of 1998
contained 18.000 sworn testimonies from victims and their families.
At this time, it is believed that at least eight individuals are
awaiting execution in Cuba.
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