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CAMAGÜEY, September 9 (Normando Hernández, IC /
cubanet.sergipeconectado.com) - Government officials in Miraflores Nuevo warned townspeople
in advance that a procession through the streets on the day of Cuba’s
patroness, the Virgin of Charity, would not be allowed.
Miraflores Nuevo, in Ciego de Ávila province, is one of the so-called
"captive towns," created by the government and populated by
ex-political prisoners, their families, and other government opponents.
The second secretary of the Communist Party, Armando Herrera, the person in
charge of religious affairs, Marilyn Morales, and the Popular Power (local
government) delegate, Laureano Oropesa, paid a visit September 6 on Mariza Álvarez
Carrazana, who has organized the procession for the last five years. The
officials told Álvarez that they would not be allowed to march through
the streets with the statue of the Virgin.
"In addition to organizing religious acts, Álvarez is an
activist of the Cuban Foundation for Human Rights, and runs an independent
library from her house," said Oliver Festón, a local resident.
Festón said that in spite of the officials’ warning, about 200
people congregated around Álvarez’ home, and held a prayer and
candlelight vigil until about 2 a.m. without any further interference from the
authorities.
Versión
original en español
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