"I am not asking the Cuban government to let me enter the country," Valle said. "I am demanding my right to enter and leave when I decide and am in condition to do so — just like any other citizen of the world."
Amir Valle is a Cuban writer who has been in Europe promoting his book, “Jineteras.” When Cubans receive an exit permit, the government usually restricts the amount of time on which the person can be away. When Cubans remain abroad past the due date, they must get the visa renewed to reenter Cuba. Sometimes the person is denied reentry. Other times, Cubans choose to “stay” in the particular country permanently, which in the Cuban vernacular means “defect.” Amir decided to stay longer in Europe because he was enjoying the tour and was receiving invites to more functions. But he was not planning to “stay” in the traditional sense. He wants to go back to Cuba, but the government is taking its time on the decision to allow him back in. “Many Cuban intellectuals have spent years asking for this absurd regulation for entering and departing the country to be annulled,” Valle wrote from Berlin. “We have not received any answer, except for the classic, 'It's under discussion.’” Yahoo News covers the story here.
Freedom of movement within and outside a country is a basic human right. Amir is simply demanding this right. It should not Cuba’s decision on how long Amir may visit Europe. The decision should be up to Amir and the opportunities he has abroad. This story is a clear example of how the Cuban government turns what should be a basic right into a privilege - - one that is arbitrarily judged by the regime.
Apparently Amir has also been criticizing the Cuban government in some interviews. His book “Jineteras” is about true stories of the black market and prostitution in Cuba, which undoubtedly is a thorn in the side for a government who relies heavily on propaganda. Because of this, it appears the government may be reacting to Amir exercising another basic right - - free speech. Amir seems to be a peaceful man, and he’s won literary awards within and outside Cuba. This story demonstrates how the government has little tolerance for dissent, and the various methods it uses to inhibit it.
Source:
Snow, Anita. "Cuban Writer Can't Return, Won't Defect." Yahoo News. Oct 20, 2006.
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6 comments:
I think there's some great points been made about the political and rights situations in Cuba. Many of the reforms are no doubt amazing accomplishments, but the means to those ends have really compromised the freedom of the people. The repression of free speech and freedom of movement challenge many of Fidel's claims to equality, but the reliance on propaganda and repression has never been denied or played down. I often find myself falling victim to what Bob described as the comparative approach, trying to justify Fidel's actions by criticizing the Bush regime (or any other regime really) for similar or often worse offences of HR abuses, but this is invalid. One can only hope that when (or if) democracy surfaces in Cuba it will be of a quality never before seen, where the people are highly active for years of denial and stringent on guarding egalitarian principles and the right to free speech. The Cubans certainly have the national unity to achieve this and more. My hope this that a post-Castro society will work indefatigably to safeguard the accomplishments they have made in healthcare, education and agriculture. Thanks again Dave for your attempts at objectivity and varied perspectives!
Spencer,
Thanks for the post. It's not hard to fall victim to the comparative approach. With so many rights violated in Latin America, and the hypocracy of many American administrations, the gains of the revolution are that much more magnified. I think that a real possibility exists for changes that could improve both human rights and living conditions, without compromising the gains.
In recent interview with Cuba Underground, Amir Valle talked about Habana Babilonia and corruption in Cuba, his future as an intellectual in the island, and his new book called "Las sucias claves del poder. Corrupción policial y militar en Cuba". You will be able to download some chapters, courtesy of the author. The interview and book are both in spanish.
Cuba Underground
http://www.cubaunderground.com
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