Campaign Unavailable

"We put forth our resolution to uphold our democratic principles and exercise our inalienable human rights, risking, as we do this, whatever dangers may arise..."
- René Gómez Manzano, following the crackdown on dissidents in Cuba in March 2003

In a renewed government crackdown on dissidents in Cuba, authorities arrested at least 57 peaceful democracy and human rights advocates, independent journalists and political activists between July 13 and 22; at least 15 remain in detention. Three of the detained dissidents, René Gómez Manzano, Oscar Mario González, and Julio César López, may face charges under repressive legislation, known as Law 88, which carries a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.

All three men are linked to the Assembly to Promote Civil Society, which organized an unprecedented May 20 meeting in Havana of the Cuban pro-democracy movement. Gómez Manzano, González and López were among 33 activists arrested as they prepared to attend a demonstration in front of the French Embassy in Havana.

Join Human Rights First in urging the Cuban authorities to drop all charges against peaceful activists René Gómez Manzano, Oscar Mario González, and Julio César López, and to immediately release all of those imprisoned for their efforts to promote basic human rights in Cuba.