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On August 31, Ms. Elizabeth Cintra Garcia, member of the Free Yorubas of Cuba, was summoned to a local police station and fined 3,000 CUP for participation in the peaceful protests that broke out nation-wide on July 11. Before being summoned, Ms. Cintra was placed in prison, then under house arrest, as a precautionary measure pending a trial, however, Cuban authorities opted to issue a fine instead of affording Ms. Cintra the opportunity to appear before a judge and defend the charges brought against her.  On July 14, Elizabeth Cintra Garcia was targeted by State Security for her participation in the protest a few days prior. In a typical tactic used by Cuban authorities, State Security rode a motorcycle dangerously close to the 20-year-old, in an effort to intimidate her. The following day, Cintra voluntarily appeared for an appointment with State Security officers and was arrested upon her arrival. She recorded a video statement before her arrest, in which she stated she was unafraid, and in perfect health. On July 16, Cintra was transferred to Villa Clareno Prison in Villa Clara, and eventually moved to Guamajal prison on July 19, along with other members of the Free Yorubas. After arriving at Guamajal prison, the District Attorney of Placetas issued a ruling to hold several members of the Free Yorubas in provisional prison as a precautionary measure until a trial was held, however, on July 24, Ms. Cintra was released and placed under house arrest as she awaited trial. GLA contacts close to the family noted that Cintra was inclined to comply and pay the fine after experiencing continued harassment and surveillance by Cuban authorities. RESOURCES:
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