"It’s important to realize that this is a process of truth telling,
that’s very, very important. When you are dealing with a totalitarian
regime, such as the Castro government, you have a culture of lies that
you have to deal with.... Lies sustain authoritarian governments. Lies
about the people themselves, lies about the people who are enemies. And
by acknowledging our wounds we begin a process of truthfulness." - Father Robert Schreiter on reconciliation in Cuba (2012).
 |
| 37men, women, and children killed on July 13, 1994 |
One month from today will mark 20 years that have passed since 37 men,
women and children were massacred by agents of the Cuban government as
they tried to find a better life in freedom. On the
early morning hours of July 13, 1994 the "13 de Marzo" tugboat left Havana harbor bound for the United States only to be intercepted six miles from the Malecón
by other tugs that rammed and sank it while being monitored by the Cuban coastguard.
Over the past 19 years this day has been a time to remember
and to organize actions for others to
remember this crime and
demand justice.
This year is no different. How do you plan to remember the victims and continue the call for justice?
This is
not about revenge. It is the
pursuit of justice and truth through time which requires persistence and memory. This is a
necessary component of national reconciliation.
Useful videos and links:
CUBA: The
Sinking of the "13 de Marzo" Tugboat on 13
July 1994 / Amnesty International
https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR25/013/1997/en/0f6d3a5e-ea51-11dd-965c-b55c1122d73f/amr250131997en.html
REPORT Nº 47/96: CASE 11.436 VICTIMS OF THE TUGBOAT "13 DE MARZO" vs.CUBA October 16, 1996 / IACHR
http://www.cidh.org/annualrep/96eng/Cuba11436.htm
Cuba: Cuban authorities should lift threats against peaceful protesters / Amnesty International https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR25/032/1996/en/fc0ad8fb-eaf1-11dd-aad1-ed57e7e5470b/amr250321996en.html
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