“LADIES IN WHITE” ATTACKED BY CUBAN STATE SECURITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                              DECEMBER 10, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION:                               CAMILA GALLARDO

                                                                        305-215-4259

                                                                        LALY SAMPEDRO

                                                                       305-592-7768

“LADIES IN WHITE” ATTACKED BY

CASTRO REGIME’S STATE SECURITY FORCES

WHILE MARCHING ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Cuba’s renowned dissidents, the “Ladies in White” (Damas de Blanco), have been attacked by mobs organized by the Castro regime’s State Security apparatus since 10:00 AM today. The Ladies have been continually beaten and pushed as they march, since setting out this morning on a peaceful demonstration through the streets of Havana to commemorate International Human Rights Day and to demand the release of Cuba’s political prisoners.

A mob of about 300 orchestrated by the regime’s security forces have surrounded and besieged the group, pushing and insulting them, and attempting to impede their ability to move forward. The Cuban American National Foundation established brief direct phone contact with one of the Ladies, Berta Soler, during the ordeal. Ms. Soler, the wife of political prisoner Angel Moya Acosta, confirmed details of the incident as screams were heard in the background.

There are also reports coming from Cuba that other democratic opposition groups have organized similar peaceful activities which have led to arrests.

The Cuban American National Foundation stands in solidarity with the Ladies in White and denounces the organized violence that the Castro regime inflicts upon the peaceful citizens of Cuba who are simply exercising their right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

We encourage the international press to cover this important event, so that the brutality of the regime is exposed.

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