Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS |
Thursday, December 6, 2007 |
202-482-4883 |
Statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez on News Reports that Cuban Authorities Have Seized Dissidents at Church
WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, who co-Chairs with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba (CAFC), today released the following statement about reports that dissidents have been detained and beaten in and around the Santa Teresita church in Santiago de Cuba.
"News reports from Cuba today indicate that the Cuban regimes’ assault on human dignity and religious freedom has continued.
"Cuban authorities raided a church, kicked in its doors, and hauled away 15 people inside the church, while outside they sprayed tear gas and beat down many more.
"This is an outrage and a sad reminder of the frightening abuses that are regularly heaped upon the Cuban people.
"Religious freedom is a pillar of liberty. It’s an essential human right and a prerequisite for social justice.
"When will the Cuban government end its war on its own people? When will the people of Cuba be free to express themselves without fear?"