On April 3, 2003, trials of dissidents rounded up in last month’s widely criticized Cuban crackdown, began in Havana. The first 80 dissidents began trial, some of whom face sentences of life imprisonment. The defendants are labeled as traitors by Cuban officials, and are allegedly accused of counterrevolutionary activity, though no specific charges have been made public. US representatives condemn the trials, and threaten that such actions jeopardize any efforts to encourage future US-Cuban relations. Tension increased this week, as numerous hijackings of transport to the US from Cuba were attempted. For more on the hijackings see LACIC's link Cuban Hijacking Attempts.
News Stories: |
"Cuba Resumes Trials of 80 Dissidents " Associated Press April 4, 2003 |
"Dozens of Cuban Dissidents Face Trial for Subversion " New York Times April 4, 2003 |
"Trials of Cuban dissidents begin " Miami Herald April 4, 2003 |
"Cuban dissidents go on trial " BBC April 3, 2003 |
"Dissidents facing life imprisonment " Miami Herald April 3, 2003 |
"Trials of Cuban dissidents begin; journalists, diplomats not admitted " Agence France-Presse April 3, 2003 |
"U.S. Condemns Dissidents' Trials in Cuba " Associated Press April 3, 2003 |
"Cuba Puts Dissidents on Trial, Seeks Life Sentences " Reuters April 3, 2003 |
Additional Links: |
"Cuban Human Rights Press Release " Human Rights Watch World Report 2003 |