The communist regime that has held Cuba in its control has long been criticized for human rights violations. Under the stronghold of Fidel Castro since 1959, Cubans have had their personal rights limited.
Human rights organizations and the press have reported that citizens were beaten, shamed, and subjected to arbitrary arrests in order to repress those who criticized the government.
Here's a look at three times Cuba was criticized for violating human rights of its people.
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1. "Ladies in White" Incident
A group of women, who were relatives of political prisoners, were reportedly accosted leaving church in Santiago in August 2013. Approximately 30 members of the "Ladies in White" were "detained, placed on a bus, beaten, and later left in various locations on the outskirts of town,"
The incident was part of
Human Rights Watch's World Report 2014 and an example of Cuba's repression of individuals who speak out against the government.
Cuban law allows persons to be detained for up to six months without charges or cause.
2. Professor Beaten and Held
In 2012, Cuban professor Antonio Rodiles learned the hard way not to ask questions of the government or law enforcement.
According to Robiles' account in USA Today, when he inquired about a friend being detained and the circumstances he was beaten and jailed himself for 19 days.
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Amnesty International made the call for Rodiles release, criticizing the Cuban government for their repressive tactics.
3. 2013 Human Rights Report
The United States Department of State cited Cuba for unlawful deprivation of life in its
Human Rights Report in 2014. The U.S. criticized Cuba for using threats, intimidation tactics, and mobs to prevent the free assembly of citizens. The report also slammed the country for monitoring private communications and monopolizing media outlets.
An excerpt of the report stated, "The government did not respect freedom of speech and press, severely restricted Internet access and maintained a monopoly on media outlets, circumscribed academic freedom, and maintained significant restrictions on the ability of religious groups to meet and worship. The government refused to recognize independent human rights groups or permit them to function legally. In addition, the government continued to prevent workers from forming independent unions and otherwise exercising their labor rights."
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