Arrests, Detentions Against Dissidents in Santiago

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, 1 July (Havana Press) - The Cuban political police have arrested Dr. Desi Mendoza Rivero, President of the Independent Medical College, and Orestes Rodríguez Orruitiner, Vice-President of the Followers of Chibás human rights group. The latter was released after 72 hours detention.

Also temporarily detained by State Security, on June 30, were Estado Enrique Copello Véliz, President of the underground Caribe Press and María Antonia Escobedo Yasel, President of the Oriente Democratic Front.

According to his family, Dr. Mendoza is still under arrest and will be tried with "distribution of false news, enemy propaganda and illicit associations". [Dr. Mendoza was the only non-governmental source to issue uncensored reports on the recent dengue fever outbreak in that region - Ed.]

Distributed by Cubanet