Journalist arrested in Cuba
February 2nd, 2010 - 2:30 pm ICT by IANSParis, Feb 2 (IANS/EFE) The Cuban government’s arrest of independent journalist Juan Carlos Reyes Ocana indicates that there is no positive move toward more press freedom on the communist island, said Reporters Without Borders.
“The regime continues to harass bloggers, deal out unfair detentions and ill-treat prisoners of opinion as it refuses to tolerate any news outside its control,” the group, known by the initials RSF, said Monday in a statement issued from its headquarters in Paris.
“Cautious improvements introduced since Raul Castro assumed the presidency in February 2008 stall when it comes to human rights,” RSF said.
The press freedom organisation noted that Reyes Ocana - who was arrested Jan 29 and accused of insult, disobedience and illegal economic activity - remains on a hunger strike while awaiting a “trial which could mean a prison sentence”.
“Havana has never ratified as it promised the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, that includes free expression, which was signed at the official handover of power two years ago” from the ailing Fidel Castro to younger brother Raul, RSF said.
–IANS/EFE
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