UPDATED, April 6, 2012 -- After four months, Yasmin Conyedo and her husband Yusmani Alvarez were released on bail on April 5, 2012.
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The Castro dictatorship treats the Damas De Blanco ("Ladies In White") as public enemy No. 1, and maybe -- at least from its twisted perspective -- it is justified. In Cuba today, few are as bold and as courageous as the Damas in stepping out and stepping up to the dictatorship and its repressive ways.
Last week in Villa Clara, police were busy rounding up the Damas and their supporters, including prominent human rights activist Guillermo Farinas, in attempt to stop them from marching. At least 20 people were arrested.
Most were released within 24 hours but as of Friday, Yasmin Conyedo had not been released.
Maybe it's because the regime's police force wants to cover up the fact that its goons have delivered punishing blows to her body, leaving visible signs of their barbarity and of the dictatorship they serve. Maybe they're waiting until the bruises have faded.
Fortunately, another Dama who was arrested, Damaris Moya Portieres, saw Conyedo in a jail cell and was able to report to the world her poor condition, according to Martinoticas.com.
That was key, because part of the regime's strategy is to throw its opponents in jail, deliver a beat-down and presume no one will care and that they are forgotten.
But a big part of what has made the Damas so successful, is that they do not forget, especially those Cubans in jail because of their political opposition to the regime. It is an example that more in Cuba, and the world, should follow.
Until she is out of jail, Yasmin Conyedo will not be forgotten.
UPDATED, Jan. 14, 2012 -- Via Twitter Guillermo Farinas reports that activist José Lino Asencio Lopez has started a hunger strike to demand the release of Yasmin Conyedo and another jailed activist, Yusmani Alvarez.
UPDATED, Jan. 14, 2012 -- Berta Soler, head of the Damas De Blanco, reports that Conyedo is on hunger strike.
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