Four Cuban dissidents - former political prisoner Jorge Luis Garcia Perez "Antunez"; his wife Iris Tamara Perez Aguilera; human rights activist Julian Gurrea Deriet; and independent journalist Carlos Serpa Maceira - were arrested Wednesday afternoon, to block them from attending an event at the "House of the Political Prisoner" in Havana, according to the CIHPRESS news agency.
Serpa said it was another case of catch, threaten and release by the Cuban police.
"The officers threatened me once again with imprisoning me for practicing journalism and deporting me to the Isle of Youth where I reside" said Serpa, who had been planning to cover a gathering of activists at the House of the Political Prisoner, which was established in October.
Serpa, one of Cuba's best and most prolific independent journalists, said he was arrested at about 4 p.m. and released about 4 hours later. He said he wasn't sure of the whereabouts of the others arrested, but he suspected Antunez - one of Cuba's more intransigent advocates for freedom - was deported back to his hometown of Placetas in Santa Clara province.
UPDATED, Nov. 27, 2009 — Interviewed from his home in Placetas, Antúnez says the dictatorship is increasingly lashing out against opponents because increasing demands from the population for their human rights to be respected. He also vows that he and his wife will continue with their work.
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