Cuba and Torture

[Imposter Marxist]

Does anyone have any information on whether or not torture was used or is used in Cuba? I'd need some sort of reference. Also, articles about the Cuban Governments view on torture and such would be appericated, perhaps articles by Fidel or something. Thanks!

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Yes. It's called Guantanamo Bay.

Also, unfortunately I don't have any sources for what i'm about to say, but it's rather true nonetheless: there was a lot of institutional racism against black people and mulattos in the earlier period of the revolution, as well as a lot of homophobia, institutionalised again. Fidel admitted as such recently, if you do a google search on it you should find some interesting stuff.

As for torture, I cannot say. There have, of course, been political prisoners and such, and i'm sure they've not been held in the best conditions, but probably they've not been tortured or treated inhumanely in comparison to Guantanamo Basy.

[mosfeld]

I have absolutely no idea whether or not the Cuban regime ever used methods of torture or not. But since the topic is on torture and whether or not the Cuban regime ever tortured someone, I'd like to ask a question.

Do you believe that torture is some sort of act which stands above class analysis, something which is class neutral? If the bourgeoisie and its agents torture revolutionaries, we view it as reactionary, but, in a hypothetical situation, let's say that revolutionaries needed to attain information from counter-revolutionaries and bourgeois agents who absolutely and defiantly refused to talk. Would you reject the use of torture?

[Magón]

I'm pretty sure Cuba has and does use torture tactics from time to time. Every state does, no matter who they are, and of course to different degrees/reasons. Not sure if there's any Western documentation on Cuba's acts of torture, but I'm sure they use it.

[Rafiq]

Every government, 'administration/Regime' uses torture. Am I apoligizing for the Cuban Regime? No. I'm just answering your question.

This is why all regimes must be opposed, but if any regime is to be opposed more than the rest, it is that of the United States. which kills and tortures more people than any other.

[Apoi_Viitor]

There are numerous reports of torture by Cuban political dissidents - the vast majority of which are probably true. Granted, that shouldn't be surprising, given the fact that all socialist regimes have frequently utilized torture. Cuba seems to be one the most 'humane' authoritarian-socialist states, although prison conditions are seemingly harsh. I don't know the level hospitality within the average south American prison though, so I can't exactly plot Cuba's position in relation to the norm.

http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2010/lamrani040310.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10279615
http://www.aapsonline.org/jpands/hacienda/edcor2.html

[Scary Monster]

Every government, 'administration/Regime' uses torture. Am I apoligizing for the Cuban Regime? No. I'm just answering your question.

This is why all regimes must be opposed, but if any regime is to be opposed more than the rest, it is that of the United States. which kills and tortures more people than any other.

Plus, more importantly, the US is the leading purveyor of torture and misery. The US has been installing dictatorships for almost every third world country for the past century.

[Imposter Marxist]

Thanks for the responses, gentlemen, but I don't need this information to clarify a personal viewpoint, I need it for a friend who is participating in Model UN, and could use some sources. (He will be a Cuba delegate to the anti-torture committee, and he wants to be prepared.) Sources would be appreciated.

[Queercommie Girl]

Cuba isn't an "ideal socialist system", but frankly it's probably the best among all the Stalinist states, and the one that is closest to the genuine Soviet ideal.

[Imposter Marxist]

Cuba isn't an "ideal socialist system", but frankly it's probably the best among all the Stalinist states, and the one that is closest to the genuine Soviet ideal.


As I said, this is not to sway any ideology I have. I support Cuba! :D :thumbup:

I just need some information for a friend, and maybe one day a red.

[Apoi_Viitor]

Maybe these links might also help.

http://unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-26620
http://english.pravda.ru/history/18-02-2011/116942-Castro_calls_UN_worthless-0/

Edit: Also, make sure to check out the first link in my previous post.