US embassy criticizes Cuba over religious freedom violations / Photo: ADALBERTO ROQUE - AFP
-
November Foraging Guide: Edible Mushrooms and Critical Safety Protocols
-
German Auto Giants Face Existential Crisis as China Sales Plummet
-
Microsoft Updates Xbox PC App with 60% Faster Startup and Redesigned Interface
-
Cause of Death Revealed for 'Ellen' Producer Matthew Wright
-
Early Polar Vortex Disruption Creates Uncertain Winter Outlook for Pennsylvania
-
How to Enjoy Luxury Experiences on a Budget
-
Edmund Richardson Wins Baillie Gifford Prize for 'Alexander' Biography
-
Pakistan Demands Grant-Based Climate Finance at COP31 to Avoid Debt Trap
-
BYD Drops Rotating Screens in New Models Due to Tech Limits
-
E Pellicci Pop-Up at Selfridges Brings Back Nostalgic School Cake
-
Ryanair Flight from Rome Makes Emergency Landing in Lisbon After Bomb Threat
-
Coronation Street's Debbie Webster Steps Down as Dementia Storyline Intensifies
US embassy criticizes Cuba over religious freedom violations
The US embassy in Havana on Friday accused Cuba of violating religious freedom, just days before the start of the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, to which Cuba has not been invited.
During unprecedented anti-government protests last July, "state forces committed acts of violence, arrested and harassed leaders from numerous religious communities taking part in peaceful demonstrations throughout the country," said the embassy on Twitter.
The tweet makes reference to the US State Department's annual report on religious freedom around the world.
It also mentioned US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's decision last November to place Cuba on a special watch list of countries where religious freedom is of particular concern.
The embassy cited several examples, such as Catholic priest Jose Castor Alvarez, who was beaten by security forces "when he offered help to an injured person during a protest" and of pastor Lorenzo Rosales, "sentenced to 10 years in prison for participating in a march."
The criticisms come just three days before the Summit of the Americas begins in Los Angeles.
As host, the US did not invite Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, three countries it sees as undemocratic.
Several Latin American leaders have said they would boycott the event in "solidarity" with the excluded countries.
P.Mathewson--AMWN
