Cuban journalists harassed

Iván Sañudo Pupo and Aini Martín Valero

A highlight of my blogging experience was my January 2007 interview with Aini Martín Valero, in which the Cuban independent journalist described her work, her life and her dreams for Cuba:

My most fervent dream is that my country can live in democracy, that my sons can choose what to study free of government interference; that freedom of expression stops being a myth and becomes a reality; that we can write freely, without fear of being jailed; and finally, that there be love, peace and prosperity for all Cubans.

I re-read that interview last week, and was again struck by this fellow journalist's, this fellow Cuban's bravery in the face of great odds. At great risk to herself and her family, Martín has dedicated herself to telling the truth about life on the island. Hers is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished if no matter the odds against you, you commit to telling the truth and standing up for liberty.

I thought of that interview again today, after reading a report that Castroite thugs Monday blocked her and her husband Iván Sañudo Pupo from leaving their home to attend a Florida International University teleconference about journalism being broadcast at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana.

Their colleague Roberto de Jesús Guerra Pérez reported that the couple was "visited and harassed" by officials with State Security while they shopped at a grocery store in the Regla neighborhood. Later, they were blocked from leaving their home.

Guerra said Sañudo and Martín were "astonished and angered" by the regime's "draconian" methods, since the conference had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with journalism.

Maybe the police feared what they might learn.

Also blocked from attending the session at the Interests Section was independent journalist Richard Roselló who was arrested Monday morning and held by police for seven hours.