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On September 17, the Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) applied for Precautionary Measures from the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on behalf of four members of the Association of Free Yorubas of Cuba (“Free Yorubas”), Donaida Pérez Paseiro, Loreto Hernández García, Lisdiani Rodriguez Isaac and Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac.
These members, and other Free Yorubas, have experienced particularly excessive retribution by security forces over the years, even more so following the July 11 demonstrations. While reports indicate many protesters have been released after short detentions, Yoruba leaders Donaida Pérez Paseiro, Loreto Hernández Garcia, members Lisdiani and Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac, are still being held in prison pending trial.
As a religious organization not recognized by the Cuban government, the Free Yorubas have been targeted by the State for holding and/or expressing religious and other conscientiously held beliefs that do not align with Communist Party ideology. Mr. Loreto Hernández Garcia, Vice President of the Yorubas, experienced pre-infarction shortly after arriving in a Cuban prison in July. Hernández, who suffers from several pre-existing health ailments such as high blood pressure, chronic asthma, chronic hypertension, heart problems, among others, is in grave danger of experiencing fatal complications without proper medical attention. Ms. Donaida Pérez Paseiro, President of the Free Yorubas, also suffers from pre-existing medical conditions, and has a history of being physically assaulted by Cuban officials because of her religious affiliations. Though they are relatively young and arrived at prison in good health, twin sisters Lisdiani and Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac have been targets of abuse by Cuban political police. They are also primary caregivers to their mother who is unable to work, and Lisdiani’s young daughter. The IACHR issues precautionary measures to protect citizens only in “grave and urgent” human rights abuse situations. As a result of continued abuse by Cuban police, regime officials, and the Office of Religious Affairs, as well as the high potential for additional irreparable harm, both psychologically and physically, which the Free Yorubas face as prisoners of conscience, GLA and other members of the Free Yorubas are gravely concerned for the lives and safety of the four members currently detained. Read the full Cover Letter submitted with the applications below.
RESOURCES & BACKGROUND:
US Commission on International Religious Freedom – Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List: USCIRF’s FoRB Victims List catalogues select victims targeted due to their freedom of religion or belief. USCIRF FoRB Victim Profile: Donaida Pérez Paseiro USCIRF FoRB Victim Profile: Loreto Hernández García USCIRF FoRB Victim Profile: Lisdiani Rodríguez Isaac USCIRF FoRB Victim Profile: Lisdani Rodríguez Isaac
U.S. State Department
GLA ADVOCACY & NEWS:
Visit GLA’s News & Media page for updates on the Free Yorubas of Cuba. More information on the Association of Free Yorubas of Cuba can be found on our website here. Comments are closed.
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