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The Cuban Regime's Weaponization of INTERPOL's Red Notices

The Cuban Regime's Weaponization of INTERPOL's Red Notices

Democratic Spaces, a Canadian human rights NGO that supports the sovereign right of every individual to engage in peaceful resistance against all forms of oppression in Cuba and elsewhere, strongly condemns the Cuban regime's distorted use of INTERPOL's Red Notice system. This manipulation aims to persecute, arrest, imprison, defame, restrict freedom of movement, and silence critics globally. We view this as a clear instance of transnational repression, a tactic systematically employed by authoritarian governments to suppress dissent beyond their borders, especially within diaspora and exile communities.

Michael LimaFebruary 8, 2024Comment

Cubans: The Real Story. What about Canada?

Cubans: The Real Story. What about Canada?

On November 21, 2023 Michael Lima, Director of Democratic Spaces presented a paper on the human rights situation in Cuba, and the regime’s alliances with Russia and China with a special focus on the urgent need for Canada to reformulate its foreign policy on Cuba. The paper offered key recommendations for Canada to help advance human rights in Cuba.

Michael LimaNovember 29, 2023Michael Lima Parliament, Democratic Spaces Parliament Ottawa, Democratic Spaces, Garnett Genuis, Tony Baldinelli, Stephanie Kusie, Brad Redekopp, Arnold Viersen, Anna Roberts, Parliament Hills Democratic SpacesComment

Democratic Spaces Stands With Israel

Democratic Spaces Stands With Israel

Democratic Spaces, a Canadian NGO dedicated to championing democracy and human rights in Cuba, issues a resolute condemnation of the recent terrorist assault by Hamas on Israel. We grieve the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives in these inexplicable acts of violence. At this challenging juncture, we extend unwavering solidarity to the people of Israel, conveying our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.

Michael LimaOctober 9, 2023Comment

Call on Canada to deny the Cuban regime a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

Call on Canada to deny the Cuban regime a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

Democratic Spaces calls on Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly and Canada's Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, Bob Rae and Leslie E. Norton to deny Cuba a seat at the Human Rights Council as its regime is responsible for gross human rights abuses.

Michael LimaOctober 7, 2023Canada cuba human rights council, Minister Melanie Joly, Ambassador Bob Rae, Ambassador Leslie E. Norton, Democratic Spaces CanadaComment

Michael Lima, Director of Democratic Spaces, met with MP Tony Baldinelli.

Michael Lima, Director of Democratic Spaces, met with MP Tony Baldinelli.

As part of the visibility and advocacy campaign carried out by the Canadian NGO Democratic Spaces in support of the release of José Daniel Ferrer García and all conscience prisoners in Cuba, Michael Lima, Director of Democratic Spaces met with MP Tony Baldinelli.

Michael LimaAugust 18, 2023Comment

LIBEREN A JOSE DANIEL FERRER, PRISIONERO DE CONCIENCIA CUBANO

LIBEREN A JOSE DANIEL FERRER, PRISIONERO DE CONCIENCIA CUBANO

Al cumplirse tres meses desde que el 17 de marzo de 2023 el Arzobispo de Santiago de Cuba Dionisio García Ibáñez vIera por última vez con vida al Prisionero de Conciencia y líder prodemocrático cubano, José Daniel Ferrer, publicamos esta carta dirigida a los gobiernos democráticos, organizaciones de derechos humanos y legisladores de Canadá y de todo el mundo pidiendo fe de vida y apoyo para presionar por su liberación inmediata e incondicional.

Michael LimaJune 17, 2023Comment

ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE OF JOSÉ DANIEL FERRER CUBAN PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE

ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE OF JOSÉ DANIEL FERRER CUBAN PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE

Open letter submitted by Democratic Spaces along with the Council for the Democratic Transition of Cuba and the Patriotic Union of Cuba demanding proof of life of José Daniel Ferrer after three months of enforced disappearance. We call for his immediate and unconditional release along with all Cuban political prisoners

Michael LimaJune 17, 2023Jose Daniel ferrer desaparición forzosa, Jose Daniel ferrer forced disappearance, Jose Daniel ferrer democratic spaces canada, Jose Daniel ferrer cuban prisoner of conscience, Jose Daniel ferrer unpacu, Jose Daniel ferrer political prisoner, Jose Daniel ferrer prisionero politico cubanoComment

EBRAHIM RAISI, RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, TO ARRIVE IN CUBA

EBRAHIM RAISI, RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, TO ARRIVE IN CUBA

Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric and autocratic leader, known as the President of Iran, a country where elections lack any democratic resemblance, is scheduled to visit Cuba on June 14th and 15th. This visit is part of a tour that includes stops in the three dictatorships of the Americas: Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

Michael LimaJune 13, 2023Comment

CUBAN DICTATORSHIP HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF OSWALDO PAYÁ AND HAROLD CEPERO

CUBAN DICTATORSHIP HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF OSWALDO PAYÁ AND HAROLD CEPERO

Democratic Spaces applauds the decision of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to hold the Cuban dictatorship accountable for the brutal killings of Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero, pro-democracy leaders. This landmark decision by the IACHR serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role organizations like Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights play in advancing justice and defending the rights of the oppressed. Their unwavering advocacy empowers the voiceless and instills hope in those fighting for freedom

Michael LimaJune 13, 2023Cuban dictatorship responsible for the assassination of Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero, Cuban regime killed paya and cepero, Dictadura cubana asesino a paya, Democratic Spaces Oswaldo Paya, Oswaldo Paya, Harold Cepero, cubadecide, Rosa Maria paya, Robert F Kennedy Human rights, Interamerican Commission on Human rightsComment

FREE JOSE DANIEL FERRER, CUBAN PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE

FREE JOSE DANIEL FERRER, CUBAN PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE

DEMOCRATIC SPACES LAUNCHES A campaign for the release of José Daniel Ferrer García, Cuban prisoner of conscience., a name of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. Imprisoned for his fight for democracy and human rights in Cuba, he endures relentless cruelty and brutality. Let us raise our voices, demand his release, and fight for the liberation of all political prisoners. Stand with José Daniel, a symbol of hope and resistance against oppression. Together, let's break the chains of injustice and restore freedom in Cuba.

Michael LimaJune 10, 2023Comment

ALLIANCE OF OPPRESSION: CUBA AND CHINA'S THREAT TO GLOBAL DEMOCRACY

ALLIANCE OF OPPRESSION: CUBA AND CHINA'S THREAT TO GLOBAL DEMOCRACY

At Democratic Spaces, we condemn any alliance between the dictatorships of China and Cuba, as well as alliances with Russia and other dictatorial regimes globally. These alliances serve to enable dictatorships to exchange information on how to effectively bolster their hold on power. They pose an imminent threat to the security of the United States and other democraci

Michael LimaJune 9, 2023cuba china spy base, eavesdropping base from china in cuba, base de espionaje de china en cuba, cuba y china, eavesdropping facility in cuba, eavesdropping facility china cubaComment

FIDEL CASTRO SUPPORTED THE TIANANMEN SQUARE MASSACRE

FIDEL CASTRO SUPPORTED THE TIANANMEN SQUARE MASSACRE

Cuban dictator Fidel Castro enthusiastically supported the decision of the Communist Party of China to massacre countless people across Beijing on June 4. 1989. His support marked the beginning of relations between China and Cuba in the post Tiananmen era.

Michael LimaJune 4, 2023Fidel Castro and Tiananmen, Cuba and Tiananmen Square, Cuba y masacre de Tiananmen, Fidel Castro y Tiananmen, Cuba on June 4. 1989, Fidel Castro in Qian Qichen, Fidel Castro and the CCP, Cuba y tiananmen, fidel y tiananmen, democratic spaces Tiananmen squareComment

MAJOR JULIO FONSECA, HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSER IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA

MAJOR JULIO FONSECA, HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSER IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA

Major Julio Fonseca, is one of the perpetrators and human rights abusers working at Section 21 of the Cuban Interior Ministry that for years has been assigned to surveil, beat and intimidate José Daniel Ferrer García, a pro democracy leader and Prisoner of Conscience as well as his family and other UNPACU activists. He is known as the Women Abuser of Santiago de Cuba.

Michael LimaMay 13, 2023major Julio Fonseca cuba, Julio Fonseca mayor del MININT, Julio Fonseca represor Santiago de Cuba, Jose Daniel ferrer torture, Jose Daniel ferrer prisionero de ocniencia, Jose Daniel Ferrer prisionero de conciencia, Democratic Spaces Jose Daniel Ferrer, .José Daniel Ferrer unpacu, Nelva Ortega wife of Jose Daniel ferrer., STASI and MININT, CUBA AND GDR, CUBA Y LA RDAComment

CUBA'S LADIES IN WHITE 20 YEARS MARCHING FOR THE RELEASE OF ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS

CUBA'S LADIES IN WHITE 20 YEARS MARCHING FOR THE RELEASE OF ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS

Cuba’s Ladies in White, peaceful struggle for the release of all political prisoners on the 20th anniversary of their foundation on March 30, 2003.

Michael LimaMarch 30, 2023Ladies in White, Damas de Blanco, Laura Pollan, Berta Solder, Ladies in White Cuba, Political Prisoners Cuba, Cuban political prisoners, presos politicos cubaComment

NIKOLAI PATRUSHEV'S VISIT TO CUBA: A REMINDER OF THE CUBAN REGIME'S ALLIANCE WITH PUTIN IN THE WAR AGAINST UKRAINE

NIKOLAI PATRUSHEV'S VISIT TO CUBA: A REMINDER OF THE CUBAN REGIME'S ALLIANCE WITH PUTIN IN THE WAR AGAINST UKRAINE

Nikolai Patrushev is Vladimir Putin’s closest ally and a key member of the autocrat’s inner circle. He served as Director of the Federal Security Services (FSB) from 1999 to 2008 and ever since he has been Secretary of Russian Security Council. Patrushev was instrumental in Putin’s rise to power in 1999. His visit to Cuba is a reminder that the Cuban dictatorship is Putin’s key ally in the war against Ukraine and an enemy of global democracy. Patrushev’s visit to Cuba’s Interior Ministry headquarters reinforces the argument that dictatorships exchange repressive methods to cling on to power.

Michael LimaMarch 5, 2023nikolai Patrushev en cuba, nikolai patrushev visits cuba, raul castro and nikolai patrushev, Miguel Diaz Canel and Nikolai Patrushev, Lazaro Alvarez Casas and Nikolai Patrushev, Nikolai Patrushev en el MININT, Nikolai Patrushev visits the Interior Ministry in Cuba, Putin and Castro in the war in Ukraine, Putin and Diaz Canel in the war against Ukraine, Cuban regime Putin's ally in the war against Ukraine, UkraineComment

MANUEL DE JESÚS GUILLÉN ESPLUGAS

MANUEL DE JESÚS GUILLÉN ESPLUGAS

Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas was arbitrarily arrested by State Security in Havana, Cuba on July 17, 2021 for recording the July 11, 2021 pro-democratic protests and posting videos on social Media. He has been jailed ever since without charges been filed or court date. During arrest he was tortured, beaten and held in isolation.

Michael LimaFebruary 7, 2023Manuel de Jesus guillen esplugas, political prisoners cuba, 11j prisoners cuba, presos politicos cuba, democratic spaces Manuel de Jesus guillen esplugas, 11J Democratic Spaces, 11J Cuba, tomas cardoso, Marti noticias, combinado del este, villa marista, jóvenes presos cubaComment

MAGNITSKY SANCTIONS: CANADA'S MORAL DEBT TO VICTIMS OF REPRESSION IN CUBA

MAGNITSKY SANCTIONS: CANADA'S MORAL DEBT TO VICTIMS OF REPRESSION IN CUBA

In our op-ed in the Toronto Star titled “Talk is cheap, jail is real — Canada’s hollow rebuke of Cuba’s crackdown, we set forth our arguments as to why Canada should impose Magnitsky sanctions on human rights abusers at the top of the regime’s hierarchy responsible for the repression of July 11, 2021 pro democracy protesters. Members of the Cuban regime’s Interior Ministry and Armed forces enjoy rampant impunity in Cuba and are exculpated from their crimes and human rights violations. Nations like Canada must move from statements condemning the repression in Cuba to concrete actions. A viable concrete action for Canada is the imposition of Magnitsky sanctions on members of the Cuban regime at the top of the power hierarchy.

Michael LimaJanuary 4, 2023Canada cuba, Magnitsky sanctions canada cuba, magnitsky sanctions 11J Canada Cuba, Magnitsky sanctions Michael LIma, Magnitsky sanctions Canada Democratic Spaces, Interior Ministry Cuba Magnitsky Canada, sanciones de canada a Cuba, sanciones individualizadas canada a cuba, represores en cuba, ministerio del interior en cuba Magnitsky canadaComment

CUBA-VENEZUELA RELATIONS IN 2022

CUBA-VENEZUELA RELATIONS IN 2022

Since the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement in 2002 to date, the relationship between Cuba and Venezuela has been one of interdependence for the survival and maintenance in power of both dictatorships.

Terror as a form of government and hunger as a weapon of social control have been two of the most significant contributions of the Cuban regime to the Venezuelan regime.

Michael LimaDecember 28, 2022cuba y venezuela, cuba and venezuela, radio y tv marti, Nicolas maduro y Diaz canel, exportar terror cuba, democratic spaces, Michael Lima cuba venezuelaComment

FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS

FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS

A video message calling on the release of all political prisoners in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Iran and wherever oppression exists.

Michael LimaDecember 14, 2022Comment

EVENTS IN OTTAWA, CANADA IN SOLIDARITY WITH DEMOCRACY IN CUBA

EVENTS IN OTTAWA, CANADA IN SOLIDARITY WITH DEMOCRACY IN CUBA

Events and meetings in Ottawa, Canada in support of the cause of Cuba’s democracy and human rights

Michael LimaNovember 23, 2022Democratic Spaces Canada, Michael Lima canada, Leo Housakos Cuba, Leo housakos, Sarah Teich, Rosa Maria paya, cubadecide, Fundacion para la Democracia Panamericana, Macdonald Laurier Institute, MLI, Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Canada and Cuba in a World of Expanding Authoritarianism, Magnitsky sanctions on the cuban regime, Michael Chong, garnett genuis, Arnold viersen, Ottawa Cuba, Pamela ODonnell, Global Affairs Canada Cuba sanctios, global affairs Canada, Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez, Alvaro Lopez MIera, Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas, Oscar Callejas Valcarcel, Eddy Manuel Sierra Arias, Pedro Orlando Martínez Fernandez, Roberto Orlando Martinez Fernandez, Tropas de Prevention del Ministerio del Interior, Brigada Especial Nacional del Minint, Roberto Legra Sotolongo, Andrés Laureano González Brito, Romarico Vidal Sotomayor Garcia, Eddy Manuel Sierra, Pedro Orlando Martínez, Roberto Abelardo Jiemenez, Sanctions on Cuba in Canada, Globe and Mail Canada asked to hit Cuba with sanctions for repressing thousands after major protests, Canada asked to hit Cuba with sanctions for repressing thousands after major protests, Steven Chase Globe and MailComment