Havana, Cuba, Mar 20, 2012 / 11:06 am
The leader of Cuba's Women in White protest group says recent harassment by state police will not deter them from their peaceful defense of human rights and from attending the Masses Pope Benedict will celebrate during his visit to the country March 26-28.
“The Cuban government has intensified the repression and violence against human rights activists. In the face of repression, we become more united and stronger. We shall continue united and attempt to participate in the Masses in Santiago and Havana,” group leader Berta Soler told CNA.
On March 17, government agents arrested group members as they commemorated the ninth anniversary of what's known as the Black Spring of 2003, when 75 political dissidents were arrested.
Although several other members were also detained on Sunday on their way to Mass at the Church of St. Rita in Havana, most who were arrested over the weekend were released that evening.