CONFIDENTIAL
CUBA
Report by Latin America Department
Right No.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Rating suggested by Department
It is probable, though not com- pletely certain, that all arrested persons go through some form of judicial procedure. Where politi- cal or security considerations are involved, however, detainees are liable to be held for long periods before this happens.
Although firm evidence is hard to come by, there is little doubt that the Cubans have learned from Soviet techniques of interrogation. In addition, indications have been received of instances of callous brutality towards political prison-
ers.
There is no slavery.
There are very tight restrictions on freedom of speech, of the press, television and radio. The perfor- mance of the Cuban media is abysmal even by the standards of the communist world.
4
5
о
10
(v)
The judiciary is explicitly subordi- nate to the political authorities under the Constitution. Sentences for political offences are extremely harsh.
10
(vi)
10
(vii)
Trade uion freedom is non-existent in the western sense. The regime subscribes to the Leninist view of unions as transmission belts between Party and workers.
Freedom to emigrate has been tightly restricted since the long waiting lists of applicants for permission to emigrate were closed several years ago (even then there were severe practical difficulties in the way of those wishing to leave). At present, no one of actual or potential use to the Cuban economy is allowed to emi- grate.
CONFIDENTIAL
9
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