Socialist International calls for the release of civic and social leaders arrested in Cuba

The Socialist International has learned with great concern of the imprisonment of leaders of non-governmental and other civic and social organisations in recent days in Cuba and calls upon the authorities of that country to release without delay all those who have been arrested.

The International, recalling that Cuba has on numerous occasions, including at summits of heads of state and governments of the region, formally committed itself to respecting internationally recognised rights such as freedom of expression, association and assembly, further calls upon the Cuban government to abide by these commitments and to ensure that all Cuban citizens enjoy these rights and fundamental freedoms.