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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Veronica Mayer
Friday, May 21, 2021 (703) 566-3037

GLA SEEKS OAS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

FOR CUBAN JOURNALISTS ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
CARDONA & MARELYS FONSECA VILTRES
Alexandria, Virginia - On Thursday, May 20, the Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) applied for
precautionary measures from the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American
Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on behalf of Cuban journalists Mr. Roberto Rodriguez
Cardona and Mrs. Marelys Fonseca Viltres, a married couple with two children in the province of
Granma. Mr. Rodriguez Cardona, a journalist and human rights defender since 2014, along with his
wife, Mrs. Fonseca Viltres, a journalist and correspondent, have been subjected to acts of torture,
physical violence and psychological abuse, arbitrary detentions, and harassment. As a result, they
have been forced to abandon all work as journalists. In addition, they have been threatened by
authorities that juvenile officers would intervene and take custody of their children, revoking all
parental authority of their two daughters once they were imprisoned.

The unrelenting and systematic threats, characteristic Cuban State Security tactics, have not
only taken a physical and psychological toll on Mr. Rodriguez Cardona and his wife but have also
caused irreparable psychological damage to their children, one of whom is currently under medical
treatment for ailments directly related to the abuses detailed in the petition for precautionary
measures.

“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right. The Rodriguez family is doing its part to build a
better Cuba for the Cuban people. It is an honor for GLA to be their voice outside the island, sharing
the sacrifices they are making with others who are on the frontlines, on the island, defending freedom
of speech and other fundamental individual rights,” GLA President Jason Poblete said.

The IACHR issues precautionary measures to protect citizens only in “grave and urgent”
human rights abuse situations causing “irreparable harm.” Abuse and constant threats by the Cuban
regime have taken a detrimental toll on Mr. Rodriguez Cardona and his wife, as well as their two
minor daughters. The entire family is in constant fear for their physical safety and that threats of
being torn apart may come to pass as police harassment continues.

The Global Liberty Alliance defends fundamental rights, free enterprise, and the rule of law,
including the fundamental right to freedom of speech. You can find more information about GLA’s
work on the GLA blog, Facebook page, podcasts, or Twitter account.

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A part of The Global Rule of Law & Liberty Legal Defense Fund
globallibertyalliance.org
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