International
Amnesty International is “very concerned” about the human rights situation in Cuba
The NGO Amnesty International (AI) was “very concerned” this Thursday with the situation of human rights in Cuba in general – and in particular with those of expression and association – in a new publication dedicated to the island.
The report, entitled ‘Images of rebellion’, includes assessments of the situation in the country, profiles of the five people that AI currently considers prisoners of conscience in Cuba and different signs of solidarity with these people.
The objective, the regional AI researcher for the Caribbean, the Cuban Johanna Cilano, explained in an interview with EFE, was to “visualize the global action of solidarity” with Cuban prisoners of conscience and also to continue encouraging that “solidarity in defense of human rights.”
He highlighted that one of those Cuban prisoners, the artist and dissident Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, has received 21,000 letters of support as a result of an AI campaign to denounce his case.
Otero Alcántara, one of the best-known faces of the San Isidro movement, was sentenced to five years in prison for using a Cuban flag in an artistic performance and trying to join the protests of July 11, 2021.
The researcher clarified that AI does not make exhaustive lists of prisoners, but highlights cases that she considers relevant, “known and well-ter-treated voices,” which can “mobilize” international public opinion for their person and for the reason of their arrest.
Currently, AI considers four other Cubans prisoners of conscience in addition to Otero Alcántara: the musician Maykel Osorbo, the dissident José Daniel Ferrer García, the Yoruba religious Loreto Hernández García and the Yoruba priestess Donaida Pérez.
However, Cilano added to EFE, AI is studying recognizing several more prisoners of conscience in Cuba, possibly in the first half of this year. This implies fulfilling a series of “requirements”, but also the ability of the NGO to carry out the “follow-up” of the case.
For this researcher, the situation in Cuba is “worrying” due to the “lack of channels to express concerns of dissidents,” the citizen’ need to “claim social rights” in a context of “deterioration of economic conditions” and the persistence of “repressive patterns.”
He pointed out in this regard the “reluctance” of the Cuban Government to any recommendation on human rights, especially civil and political, by multilateral organizations and international NGOs, and its refusal to any external audit.
They also “concern” a lot” legal movements such as the approval of the new Criminal Code and the Social Communication Law, which AI emphasizes that they restrict the exercise of social and political human rights; and the delay in legislating on rights enshrined in the 2019 Constitution, such as those of association and demonstration.
Cilano also pointed out the “impossibility” of exercising freedom of the press, with the “harassment” and “retaliation” to unofficial journalism and the “clear repressive patterns” that limit religious freedom, whose intensity has fluctuated over time and the different confessions.
The researcher recalled that AI has criticized the US sanctions on Cuba, which she considers have an “impact” on human rights, but this “is no excuse for the Cuban Government not to guarantee and protect the human rights of Cuban citizenship.”
On the crossfire between Washington and Havana in which the former prioritize the freedoms of expression and manifestation and the latter the right of universal access to education and health, Cilano said: “There are no rights above others.”
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
International
Bill Gates Says Jeffrey Epstein Made “Veiled” Threats Over Extramarital Affairs
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told members of the U.S. Congress that he received “veiled” threats from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein related to his extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of his testimony released Tuesday.
Gates testified behind closed doors on June 10 before the House Oversight Committee regarding his relationship with the American financier, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking-related charges. Epstein had previously been convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
According to the transcript released by the committee, Gates said Epstein appeared to want to use his knowledge of Gates’ personal relationships as leverage to keep him within his circle at a time when Gates was already distancing himself.
“I was not blackmailed, but reading these emails, it seems like Mr. Epstein’s ideas were moving in that direction,” Gates said, referring to documents from the Epstein case released by the Justice Department in January.
Gates added that Epstein never sent him anything he would personally classify as blackmail. However, he said the content of certain draft emails suggested Epstein was “rehearsing” how he, or someone he instructed, might attempt to pressure him.
“He was, in a way, practicing how he himself, or someone he directed, could choose to blackmail me, but none of those messages were ever sent to me,” Gates told lawmakers.
The 70-year-old billionaire had previously stated that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal behavior and said he had never been involved in harming anyone.
In February, Gates told The Wall Street Journal that his association with Epstein was a serious mistake. He also acknowledged having extramarital relationships, while denying any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.
Gates said his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein’s conviction, and acknowledged that he was aware of Epstein’s legal troubles at the time.
However, Gates said he was told that Epstein had the ability to raise billions of dollars for global health initiatives, an area in which Gates had significant involvement.
“When I met him, I knew he had been convicted,” Gates told lawmakers. “I knew it was of a sexual nature, but I didn’t try to learn more, although I probably should have.”
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
Bill Gates Says Jeffrey Epstein Made “Veiled” Threats Over Extramarital Affairs
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