Mass Trials in Cuba Deepen Its Harshest Crackdown in Decades

[brooklynite]

Source: New York Times

Detained protesters in Cuba could get up to 30 years in prison as they face the largest and most punitive mass trials on the island since the early years of the revolution.

Prosecutors this week put on trial more than 60 citizens charged with crimes, including sedition, for taking part in demonstrations against the country’s economic crisis over the summer, said human rights activists and relatives of those detained.

Those being prosecuted include at least five minors as young as 16. They are among the more than 620 detainees who have faced or are slated to face trial for joining the biggest outburst of popular discontent against the Communist government since it took power in 1959.

The severity of the charges is part of a concerted effort by the government to deter further public expressions of discontent, activists said. The crackdown also dashed lingering hopes of a gradual liberalization under President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who in 2018 replaced Fidel Castro’s brother Raúl to become Cuba’s first leader from outside the Castro family since 1959

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/14/world/americas/cuba-mass-trials-crackdown.html

---

Well, at least they'll have free health care in prison...

[BidenRocks]

1. I thought of

Guantanamo Bay.
How long have we held some of these people?

Yeah! Close counts!

[llashram]

2. my grandmother was born in Cuba

she'd be brokenhearted at the way their citizens are each at other's throat. Hell, I'm broken-hearted at the way we Americans are at each other's throats. Peace until peace is no more in this world.

[blue-wave]

3. It's more terror from

the (sadly) long-standing communist regime in Cuba. And that sociopath in Russia, Putin, is playing leverage politics and wants to send troops to Cuba as well as Venezuela. And oh, let's invade Ukraine while we're at it.

God bless those who love freedom in Cuba and God Bless America.

[groundloop]

4. Heartbreaking. At one time it appeared the situation in Cuba was improving.

[riverbendviewgal]

5. Things were improving

Then Trump became president and stopped the progress Obama started. I been to Cuba and love the country.

[groundloop]

6. Yes, totally agree.....before 45*'s travel ban I had visited Cuba also

I just feel so bad for the people there, our stupid embargo is doing far more to hurt the average citizen than any effect it's having on their government.

[EX500rider]

7. Cuba can improve it citizens freedom & economic opportunities without the US

We didn't make them arrest anybody.