Castro urged to review trials and sentences. (World Briefs).Geneva Geneva, canton and city, Switzerland Geneva (jənē`və), Fr. Genève, canton (1990 pop. 373,019), 109 sq mi (282 sq km), SW Switzerland, surrounding the southwest tip of the Lake of Geneva. (WCC WCC n abbr (= World Council of Churches) → COE m (Conseil œcuménique des Églises) WCC n abbr (= World Council of Churches) → Weltkirchenrat m )--In a letter addressed to Cuban President Fidel Castro Noun 1. Fidel Castro - Cuban socialist leader who overthrew a dictator in 1959 and established a Marxist socialist state in Cuba (born in 1927) Castro, Fidel Castro Ruz , the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Konrad Raiser Konrad Raiser (b. 25 january 1938) is a former General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Born in Magdeburg, Germany in 1938, Konrad Raiser studied theology and started working with the World Council of Churches, first in the department for Faith and Order. , called the recent trials and long sentences given to Cuban political dissidents a miscarriage of justice A legal proceeding resulting in a prejudicial out-come. A miscarriage of justice arises when the decision of a court is inconsistent with the substantive rights of a party. . He urged that their sentences be reviewed and that they be released. "Such action by the authorities will serve to increase the credibility of the Cuban government," Mr. Raiser said. Following one-day trials, Cuba sentenced 75 dissidents to between six and 28 years in prison for collaborating with U.S. diplomats to undermine the Communist government. Governments and human rights groups around the world condemned the crackdown, which, began March 18 after the sweeping capture of dissidents. The WCC acknowledged "that Cuba has recently experienced an increase in external pressures and interference in its sovereignty and independence," especially by the United States government. He added that Cuban authorities should "not allow their decisions to jeopardize the integrity of the Cuban revolution." In his letter to President Castro, Mr. Raiser recalled his visit to Cuba in October, 1999, and assured the leader "of the constant prayers of the World Council of Churches and its many members who share our concern for the peace and prosperity of the Cuban people." |
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