The laity of the Diocese of Pinar del Rio expressed their
concern about the recent wave of detentions of peaceful dissidents in the island
nation.
In a statement Sunday they highlighted the "continuation of intolerance
and persecution, manifested in detentions and summary sentences to opponents
and dissidents."
The accused face severe sanctions "which should never be applied to any
person for thinking and acting in a different way peacefully."
In its statement, the Diocesan Council of the Laity of Pinar del Rio appeals
for dialogue as the way to solve conflicts, and foster understanding beyond
differences, "supporting all those who suffer injustice."
Cuba has prosecuted 75 dissidents and dealt harsh summary sentences to most of
them, human rights defense organizations reported Tuesday.
The severest sentence -- 27 years in prison -- was meted out to independent
journalist Omar RodrÃguez Saludes.
The regime's opponents were detained during a wave of arrests in March, accused
of being mercenaries paid by the United States to destabilize the island's
government.
Last Thursday, the Conference of Religious of Cuba organized a Day of Prayer
for Peace and the Release of Dissidents, who have been given long prison
sentences for opposing the regime's ideology.
Numerous religious of various Catholic congregations, together with a number of
faithful, met in St. John Lateran Church in Havana to pray for reconciliation,
tolerance and a better future for all Cubans.