HAVANA, June 27, 1996.- American journalist Susan Vilello learned firsthand the methods used by the Cuban government to try to silence the voice of the independent press. The city of Havana was the enviable scene for such a special goodbye. Susan proved, in this summer of waitings and of silence, the cries so often repeated by hundreds of newsmen. Perhaps she never imagined she would find herself in the same jail cells which have already been visited by Yndamiro Restano, Rafael Solano or Roxana Valdivia.
It is difficult to convince from afar. Ether always leaves a weird taste. It is the old tactic of Saint Thomas, such incredulity which drives to inaction and forgetfulness. But Susan Vilello didn't have time to return and tell her Cuban colleagues the terror which shook her attempts.
The International Committee for the Protection of Journalists will be able to hear a new version of the repression which has been previously announced. The New York office heard a firsthand story this time. Now they will join voices of protest alongside Reporters Without Borders and with other international press associations to denounce such aggression. Nothing new will be presented, only the much needed cry for help. The felony of expelling Susan Vilello from Cuba is not comparable to the intolerant brutality with which they daily treat Olance Nogueras or Lazaro Lazo. Only the methods change to achieve specific goals. Total silence.
From June 20th on, Susan Vilello and the International Committee for the Protection of Journalists will view their colleagues in the island in a different light. Including those who Ms. Vilello didn't get to meet with in Havana, or did not have in her work agenda. Susan Vilello suffered in 24 hours what we have to put up with days at a time, weeks, or even years at a time. But we resist, and she was able to attest to that in her dangerous tropical trip.
Now Susan knows that Cuban independent journalists, amidst all the shortages and sleepless nights, fervently believe in the betterment of humankind.
Distributed by CubaNet
Translated for CubaNet-Org by Lourdes Arrieta