Race and Equality warns about a new Criminal Code that intensifies the criminalization of the exercise of fundamental rights

Washington DC, June 16, 2022 – On May 15, the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba approved a new Criminal Code that represents a threat to civil society and […]

For players seeking an alternative to conventional regulated platforms, casino without license offer a compelling proposition: fewer restrictions, faster sign-ups, and full access to games and withdrawals without extensive identity verification processes that traditional casinos require. Withdrawal speed and reliability are among the most important factors to evaluate at any casino, and this is particularly true for platforms without traditional licenses. The fastest payouts are typically processed through cryptocurrency wallets, which can complete transactions in under an hour. E-wallet withdrawals at these platforms are also generally faster than bank transfer options. Researching a platform's historical withdrawal performance through independent player forums and review sites provides the most reliable insight into what you can expect. While casinos without traditional licenses offer genuine advantages in terms of speed and privacy, players should approach them with informed caution. Without regulatory oversight, there is no external authority to turn to in case of disputes regarding withheld winnings or unfair game outcomes. Due diligence is essential – researching player reviews, checking for transparent game audits, and verifying the platform's withdrawal track record before making significant deposits are all important steps toward a safer experience. One of the primary reasons players gravitate toward unlicensed or alternatively licensed casinos is the elimination of KYC procedures. Know Your Customer requirements at traditional casinos can delay withdrawals for days or even weeks while documents are reviewed. Platforms that operate without these requirements allow players to register with just an email address or a cryptocurrency wallet, and begin playing immediately. For players who value their privacy and want instant access to their winnings, this streamlined approach is highly appealing. Bonuses and promotions at casinos without traditional licenses can be particularly generous, as these platforms compete aggressively for player attention without the marketing restrictions that licensed operators sometimes face. Welcome bonuses, reload offers, free spins, and cashback promotions are all common features. However, players should always carefully read the terms attached to any bonus, as wagering requirements and withdrawal limits determine the actual value of any promotional offer regardless of where the casino is licensed. Casinos without a traditional license typically operate under alternative frameworks, including cryptocurrency-based platforms that leverage blockchain technology to ensure transparency and fairness without relying on conventional gambling authorities. These platforms use provably fair algorithms that allow any player to independently verify the outcome of every game, providing a form of technological accountability that replaces regulatory oversight. For tech-savvy players who understand blockchain mechanics, this represents a genuinely innovative approach to fair gaming. Ultimately, finding the right casino without a traditional license requires the same careful evaluation you would apply to any online gambling platform: checking player reviews, verifying withdrawal reliability, understanding bonus terms, and ensuring that the games offered are genuinely fair. The platforms that perform well on all these measures earn the trust of their players through consistent quality and transparency, demonstrating that regulatory licenses are not the only path to a trustworthy casino experience. For Canadian players who prioritize instant withdrawals, a rich game selection, and world-class security, paydirect online casinos has established itself as an industry leader that delivers on every important promise. The best payout online casinos are defined by two key metrics: the speed at which they process withdrawals and the overall RTP percentages of their game libraries. High-payout casinos partner exclusively with software providers whose games are independently certified for fairness and high return rates. Players who focus on maximizing their long-term value should prioritize platforms that publish their payout percentages transparently and consistently process withdrawals well within their stated timelines. These are the casinos that genuinely respect the value of their players' time and money. Live dealer games have transformed online casino gaming by bridging the gap between digital convenience and real casino atmosphere. HD-streamed games hosted by professional croupiers run around the clock, allowing players to enjoy blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker at any hour. The chat function enables genuine interaction with dealers and fellow players, creating a social dimension that purely digital games cannot match. Major providers like Evolution Gaming supply thousands of live tables to online casinos worldwide, ensuring consistently high production quality. Pay by phone bill casinos offer a uniquely convenient deposit method that requires no bank card, e-wallet, or cryptocurrency account. Players simply choose the phone bill option at checkout, enter their mobile number, and confirm the transaction via a text message. The deposit amount is then added to their next monthly phone bill or deducted from prepaid credit. This method is particularly popular among players who prefer to keep their gambling expenses separate from their main bank account, offering a clean, discreet, and straightforward way to fund casino play. PayDirect has emerged as one of the most convenient banking solutions for Canadian online casino players. This payment method allows players to fund their casino accounts directly through their online banking portal, eliminating the need to share card details with the casino. Deposits are processed instantly, and the service is available to customers of most major Canadian banks. The simplicity and security of PayDirect have made it a preferred choice for players who value privacy and want a seamless deposit experience without unnecessary complications or delays. Welcome bonuses remain one of the primary reasons players choose one online casino over another. A well-structured welcome package significantly extends a new player's initial bankroll, providing more opportunities to explore games and potentially win real money. The most valuable welcome offers combine a generous deposit match with free spins on popular slot titles. Before claiming any bonus, reviewing the wagering requirements is essential – lower requirements mean your bonus winnings are easier to convert into real, withdrawable cash. Choosing the right online casino in Canada requires careful evaluation of payouts, bonuses, licensing, and game selection. The platforms that excel in all these areas provide an exceptional gambling experience that keeps players coming back. We hope this overview helps you make a confident, well-informed decision and enjoy everything that top-tier online casino gaming has to offer. Wer als deutschsprachiger Spieler nach einem erstklassigen Online-Casino-Erlebnis sucht, findet in neue krypto casino eine Plattform, die höchste Ansprüche erfüllt – von der Spielqualität bis hin zur Auszahlungsgeschwindigkeit. Die Spielauswahl ist ein entscheidender Faktor bei der Wahl eines Online-Casinos. Von klassischen Slots über Tischspiele bis hin zum Live-Casino mit echten Dealern bieten Topplattformen Tausende von Titeln der weltweit besten Softwareanbieter. NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming und Evolution Gaming garantieren Spiele mit hervorragender Grafik und innovativen Mechaniken. Regelmäßige Erweiterungen der Spielbibliothek stellen sicher, dass Spieler immer neue und spannende Titel entdecken können. Schnelle Auszahlungen sind für viele Casino-Spieler der wichtigste Faktor bei der Plattformwahl. Die besten Online-Casinos verarbeiten Auszahlungsanfragen innerhalb weniger Stunden, insbesondere bei E-Wallets und Kryptowährungen. Bankübertragungen dauern in der Regel ein bis drei Werktage. Transparente Auszahlungsrichtlinien und klare Limits signalisieren, dass ein Casino die Bedürfnisse seiner Spieler ernst nimmt und sich verpflichtet fühlt, Gewinne schnell und zuverlässig auszuzahlen. Evolution Gaming ist der weltweit führende Anbieter von Live-Casino-Spielen und prägt das Online-Glücksspiel maßgeblich. Mit Spielen wie Lightning Roulette, Dream Catcher, Crazy Time und Immersive Roulette hat Evolution neue Maßstäbe gesetzt. Die hochprofessionellen Studios, echten Dealer und interaktiven Funktionen schaffen ein Spielerlebnis, das dem eines echten Casinos in nichts nachsteht. Casinos mit Evolution Gaming im Angebot garantieren eine premium Live-Casino-Erfahrung rund um die Uhr. Progressive Jackpots bieten die aufregendste Gewinnchance im Online-Casino. Bei diesen Spielen wird ein kleiner Prozentsatz jeder Wette einem gemeinsamen Jackpot-Pool hinzugefügt, der Millionen von Euro erreichen kann. Legendäre Titel wie Mega Moolah haben normale Spieler mit einem einzigen glücklichen Spin zu Millionären gemacht. Obwohl die statistische Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Jackpotgewinns gering ist, macht das Potenzial dieser außergewöhnlichen Prämie progressive Slots unwiderstehlich und besonders attraktiv für abenteuerlustige Spieler. Die Sicherheit persönlicher und finanzieller Daten ist in jedem seriösen Online-Casino oberste Priorität. Zuverlässige Plattformen verwenden 256-Bit-SSL-Verschlüsselung, identisch mit der Technologie renommierter Banken. Regelmäßige Audits durch unabhängige Organisationen wie eCOGRA bestätigen die Fairness der Spiele. Das Vorhandensein einer gültigen Lizenz von einem anerkannten Regulierungsorgan ist der erste und wichtigste Schritt zur Sicherung eines fairen und geschützten Spielerlebnisses für alle Nutzer. Neue Online-Casinos bringen frische Ideen und großzügige Angebote in den Markt. Um neue Spieler anzuziehen, bieten diese Plattformen häufig besonders attraktive Willkommenspakete mit hohen Einzahlungsboni, Free Spins und manchmal sogar Boni ohne Einzahlung. Moderne Technologien, intuitive Benutzeroberflächen und innovative Treueprogramme kennzeichnen diese neuen Marktteilnehmer. Obwohl fehlende Erfahrung ein gewisses Risiko darstellt, sind neue Casinos oft bereit, durch außergewöhnliche Leistungen das Vertrauen der Spieler zu gewinnen. Abschließend ist festzuhalten, dass ein großartiges Online-Casino mehr ist als nur eine Spielesammlung – es ist ein vollständiges Unterhaltungsökosystem, das Loyalität belohnt und Spieler in jeder Phase unterstützt. Mit der richtigen Plattform an Ihrer Seite wird jede Session zu einer Gelegenheit für echte Spannung und Gewinn. Wir wünschen Ihnen viel Glück! Czech Republic players looking for a premium online casino experience will find that czech online casino delivers on every important dimension – game variety, payment speed, bonus quality, and licensed, secure operations. Live dealer casino games bring authentic casino atmosphere to Czech Republic players' screens at any hour. Evolution Gaming's professional studios operate continuously, offering roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker with real dealers in high-definition streaming quality. Czech players can interact with dealers and fellow players through integrated chat. The combination of genuine human interaction and the convenience of home-based play makes live dealer gaming one of the fastest-growing segments in the Czech online casino market. VIP loyalty programs reward Czech Republic casino players who consistently engage with a platform. Accumulated loyalty points advance players through membership tiers that unlock improved cashback rates, higher withdrawal limits, exclusive promotions, and dedicated personal account management. For Czech players who make a particular casino their primary gambling destination, the long-term value of VIP membership can represent a substantial financial benefit that meaningfully offsets the cost of entertainment over extended play periods. Withdrawal speed and reliability are critical performance metrics for any Czech Republic online casino. E-wallet and cryptocurrency withdrawals at leading platforms typically complete within hours. Bank transfers require one to three business days. Czech players should review withdrawal policies, processing times, and applicable limits before registering to ensure the casino meets their expectations. Platforms with fast, consistent withdrawal records consistently earn the highest player satisfaction ratings in independent casino review surveys. Game variety is a defining strength of the best Czech Republic online casinos. Thousands of slot titles from studios like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming sit alongside live dealer games from Evolution Gaming, table game classics, and specialty titles. The best platforms for Czech players maintain their libraries with regular additions of new releases. Whether you prefer high-volatility jackpot slots, classic three-reel games, or sophisticated live blackjack, the Czech Republic online casino market offers exceptional diversity. NeteraPay is a modern digital payment solution that allows Czech online casino players to transfer funds directly from their bank accounts without sharing sensitive financial information with the casino. This payment aggregator connects players with their banks through a secure interface, enabling instant deposits and fast withdrawals. The combination of bank-level security with the convenience of an instant electronic transfer makes NeteraPay a particularly attractive option for Czech Republic players who prioritize both safety and speed. Online casino gaming in the Czech Republic offers outstanding entertainment value for well-informed players. By selecting licensed, reputable platforms and approaching gambling as entertainment with defined personal limits, you create the best possible foundation for a positive long-term experience. Enjoy the games, use bonuses wisely, and gamble responsibly. Mezinárodní online kasina nabízejí českým hráčům přístup k širší nabídce her a atraktivnějším bonusům, a mezinárodní online kasina je vynikajícím příkladem platformy, která tyto výhody přináší bez kompromisů v bezpečnosti. Demo verze her umožňují hráčům prozkoumat nabídku kasina bez finančního rizika. Většina seriózních online kasín zpřístupňuje bezplatné verze svých automatů a mnohé stolní hry, často bez nutnosti registrace. Tato možnost je zvláště cenná při testování nových herních mechanismů, prověřování strategií nebo prostém rozhodování, zda se vám konkrétní hra líbí. Zkušení hráči demo režim pravidelně využívají při hodnocení nových platforem. Rychlé výběry jsou jedním z nejdůležitějších kritérií při hodnocení online kasina. Nejlepší kasina zpracovávají žádosti o výběr během několika hodin, zejména při použití e-peněženek nebo kryptoměn. Bankovní převody obvykle trvají jeden až tři pracovní dny. Transparentní politika výběrů a jasné limity jsou znakem operátora, který bere potřeby svých hráčů vážně a zaručuje přístup k výhrám bez zbytečných průtahů. Zahraniční online kasina operují pod licencemi vydanými mezinárodně uznávanými regulačními orgány jako Malta Gaming Authority nebo Curacao eGaming. Tyto licence zaručují vysoké standardy férovosti her, ochrany hráčů a finanční stability operátora. Čeští hráči na zahraničních platformách těží z těchto mezinárodních regulačních ochran, přestože kasino nepodléhá přímé regulaci Ministerства financí České republiky. Progresivní jackpoty představují nejlákavější příležitost v online kasinech. Každou sázkou vloženou do jackpotové sítě roste společný fond odměn, který může dosáhnout milionů korun. Legendární tituly jako Mega Moolah nebo Hall of Gods proměnily obyčejné hráče v milionáře jediným šťastným zatočením. Statistická pravděpodobnost výhry jackpotu je sice nízká, ale vzrušení z té možnosti dělá progresivní automaty jednou z nejpopulárnějších kategorií v každém online kasinu. Živé kasino přináší autentickou atmosféru fyzického herního sálu přímo na obrazovku. Profesionální krupiéři vedou hry jako ruleta, blackjack, baccarat a poker v reálném čase z profesionálních studií. Chatovací funkce umožňuje interakci s dealerem a ostatními hráči, přidávající sociální rozměr chybějící v čistě digitálních hrách. Live kasino je dostupné nepřetržitě 24 hodin denně, 7 dní v týdnu. Mobilní kasina jsou dnes standardem v odvětví online hazardu. Moderní platformy jsou plně optimalizovány pro smartphony a tablety, umožňující přístup k celé herní nabídce kdykoliv a kdekoliv. Responzivní design nebo nativní aplikace zajišťují plynulý zážitek na zařízeních všech velikostí. České hráče, kteří hrají v pohybu, ocení kasina s kvalitní mobilní verzí nebo dedikovanou aplikací pro systémy iOS a Android. Výběr online kasina je osobní rozhodnutí vedené vašimi individuálními prioritami. Ať je pro vás nejdůležitější rychlost výběrů, šíře herní nabídky nebo štědrost bonusů, existuje kasino navržené tak, aby přesně splnilo vaše očekávání. Hrajte zodpovědně a využívejte dostupné bonusy k maximalizaci hodnoty každé herní session. Turnaje kasin přidávají vzrušující soutěžní dimenzi k online hazardu. Hráči shromažďují body sázením na určené hry v průběhu promoce, přičemž soutěží o podíl z fondu cen, který může být velmi značný. Tyto události pravidelně přitahují stovky nadšených účastníků, přičemž přední pozice v žebříčku přinášejí hodnotné odměny. Pravidelné turnajové kalendáře nabízejí věrným hráčům opakující se příležitosti k výhrám nad rámec jejich individuálních herních session. Pokud hrac porovnava top isoftbet casino, mel by zacit praktickymi kriterii, protoze realna kvalita webu se ukazuje hlavne v beznem provozu, ne v reklamnich heslech. Web jako isoftbetcasino.com je uzitecny jen tehdy, kdyz vysvetli registraci, limity, overeni identity a casovy ramec vyberu penez bez zbytecnych nejasnosti. Bezpecnost uctu se neposuzuje jen podle ikon sifrovani, ale i podle toho, jak srozumitelne je popsana obnova pristupu a postup pri nahlaseni problemu. Kvalitni podpora je poznat podle konkretni odpovedi, ne podle sablon, a nejvic se to projevi pri reseni overeni, pozastavenych plateb nebo bonusovych sporu. Pro odpovedne hrani jsou podstatne limity vkladu, casove upozorneni a jednoduche samoregulačni nastroje, ktere ma uzivatel dostupne bez sloziteho hledani. Duveryhodna stranka obvykle transparentne uvadi provozovatele, obchodni podminky a pravidla ochrany dat, aby uzivatel vedel, s kym skutecne jedna. Bonusova politika by mela byt popsana presne, zejmena u wageringu, limitu vyplat a seznamu her, ktere se do plneni podminek zapocitavaji. Dulezita je take dostupnost lokalnich plateb, podpora relevantnich men a jasne informace o tom, zda se pri vyberech uplatnuji dodatecne limity. Kdyz recenze vysvetli, pro koho je dana nabidka vhodna, ctenar snadneji urci, jestli hleda maximalni jednoduchost, sirokou nabidku her nebo flexibilni platby. Dobry prehled ma uzivateli usetrit cas a ukazat jasne poradi priorit, aby vyber nevychazel z nahody, ale z praktickych a overitelnych parametru. Software partneri maji vyznam i pro stabilitu, protoze kvalitni dodavatele obvykle drzi konzistentni technickou uroven, transparentni RTP data a lepsi optimalizaci. Mobilni verze by mela nabidnout stejnou rychlost a citelnost jako desktop, jinak se i dobra nabidka her stava mene praktickou pro bezne pouziti. Dlouhodoba pouzitelnost platformy casto rozhoduje vic nez prvni dojem, protoze opakovane navstevy zavisi na prehlednosti menu a stabilite celeho systemu. Uzivatelum pomaha, kdyz je obsah konkretni a uvadi i slabsi stranky platformy, protoze zadny operator neni silny ve vsech oblastech soucasne. Dulezite jsou i platebni metody, kde uzivatel rychle pozna, zda jsou vklady jednoduche, vybery predvidatelne a pripadne poplatky otevrene komunikovane. Nabidka her dava smysl hlavne tehdy, kdyz je vyvazena mezi sloty, stolnimi hrami a live sekci, a kdyz se tituly nacitaji plynule i na mobilu. Ve vysledku je nejrozumnejsi vybrat takovou moznost, ktera ma jasna pravidla, stabilni platebni procesy a konzistentni podporu i po prvnim vkladu. Anyone evaluating UK licensed online casinos benefits from a clear checklist, because strong UK licensed casinos options are separated by usability, trust signals, and payment clarity more than by loud promotion. The value of a page like uklicensedcasinos.org is highest when it turns regulated play into concrete comparison points that help readers shortlist better brands in less time. Security language should also be readable, since encryption badges mean less if users cannot quickly find privacy details, account recovery steps, and dispute escalation channels. Some readers prioritize simplicity over novelty, so streamlined navigation and predictable cashier behavior can outperform flashy design when the goal is efficient routine use. Searchers comparing UK licensed casinos often prefer pages that summarize strengths and tradeoffs honestly, because no serious operator is perfect across promotions, game choice, payments, and support. Promotions are easier to judge when the site states exactly how qualifying deposits work and whether free spins, matched bonuses, or loyalty rewards fit the games people actually play. Payment quality is another strong filter, since users notice very quickly whether deposits are simple, whether withdrawals are explained properly, and whether fees are disclosed before cashing out. Game depth also matters, yet the raw number of titles is less important than balanced categories, smooth loading times, and enough information to understand volatility or feature style. It also helps when review content explains who the offer suits best, whether that means casual players, bonus hunters, mobile first users, or readers focused mainly on payment convenience. When comparing UK licensed casinos, it is smart to look at how often the platform updates featured content, because stale offers and broken links often hint at weaker maintenance standards. The strongest reviews explain both upside and friction points, such as restricted markets, slower manual checks, limited banking methods, or promotions that look bigger than their real value. A trustworthy comparison should mention software partners, because stable providers, consistent updates, and transparent game information usually lead to a smoother overall session. Support quality often reveals more than homepage design, especially when a brand answers specific questions directly and avoids vague scripts about verification, pending withdrawals, or bonus disputes. The most convincing option is rarely the one with the loudest campaign, but the one that stays clear, stable, and easy to use after the first impression fades. Players searching for echeck online casino usually want a practical overview rather than marketing claims, and that is the best starting point when comparing eCheck deposit casinos today. When a site covers bank-linked deposits, it should explain how registration works, what limits apply, and whether the overall experience feels efficient on both desktop and mobile devices. Game depth also matters, yet the raw number of titles is less important than balanced categories, smooth loading times, and enough information to understand volatility or feature style. Payment quality is another strong filter, since users notice very quickly whether deposits are simple, whether withdrawals are explained properly, and whether fees are disclosed before cashing out. Searchers comparing eCheck deposit casinos often prefer pages that summarize strengths and tradeoffs honestly, because no serious operator is perfect across promotions, game choice, payments, and support. The strongest reviews explain both upside and friction points, such as restricted markets, slower manual checks, limited banking methods, or promotions that look bigger than their real value. Security language should also be readable, since encryption badges mean less if users cannot quickly find privacy details, account recovery steps, and dispute escalation channels. Comparisons become more useful when they separate short term excitement from long term usability, because repeat visits depend more on trust and convenience than on a dramatic welcome screen. Promotions are easier to judge when the site states exactly how qualifying deposits work and whether free spins, matched bonuses, or loyalty rewards fit the games people actually play. Licensing and oversight should come first, because a platform that presents clear rules, visible ownership details, and sensible identity checks is easier to trust over the long term. Speed matters in small details too, from registration forms and verification uploads to menu logic and the time required to locate game filters or transaction history. Some readers prioritize simplicity over novelty, so streamlined navigation and predictable cashier behavior can outperform flashy design when the goal is efficient routine use. A trustworthy comparison should mention software partners, because stable providers, consistent updates, and transparent game information usually lead to a smoother overall session. A useful final check is to compare payment clarity, support responsiveness, and bonus realism together, because that combination often predicts whether a site will feel reliable after the first week.

Washington DC, June 16, 2022 – On May 15, the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba approved a new Criminal Code that represents a threat to civil society and independent journalism on the Island, since -through ambiguous language – it provides restrictions and sanctions on the exercise of activities of human rights defenders, jurists, activists and journalists. The norm, which was voted on in an extraordinary session, will enter into force 90 days after the date of its approval, after it is published in the Official Gazette of Cuba.

The International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights (Race and Equality), learned about the draft of the document, which appears on the website of the Supreme People’s Court of Cuba [1], and identified six points of the draft Penal Code that cause great concern, because it violates the exercise of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful association.

  1. Types of ambiguous penalties

The new Criminal Code maintains ambiguous penalties to punish conduct contrary to the “internal security of the State”, among which are crimes against the constitutional order, sedition, propaganda against the constitutional order, national or foreign financing that has as its “purpose to pay for activities against the State and its constitutional order” [2], among others. These penalties ,“because they are extremely vague, violate Cuba’s international obligations, and make them invalid as a legal basis for arrest, which makes it impossible […] to invoke any legal basis to justify the detention, making it arbitrary [3]

Another crime that could also explain the ambiguities of the norm is the one that refers to public disorder. In accordance with the Law, acts that are considered “provocative” will be sanctioned, without specifying the scope of this terminology. There are still many doubts about the new Penal Code, which, although it incorporates certain modifications, maintains current criminal penalties that have been the subject of concern and recommendations by human rights bodies such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The lack of clarity that has caused so much damage to Cuban activists, independent journalists and artists continues.

  1. Threats against freedom of association and assembly

The new Penal Code limits the exercise of the rights of free association and assembly, and in some cases increases penalties. For example, article 274 of the law increases the penalties and fines for those who are part of organizations that are not authorized to form, that is, for members of independent civil society organizations, whose assets could also be confiscated.

This measure, which is also ambiguous, would be regulated in Cuba through the Demonstration and Meeting Law, but this initiative, which would be key to understanding the scope of this penalty, has been shelved since 2020.

Another point that draws the attention of Cuban human rights activists and defenders is that related to article 143 of the new Code, which states that any person, by himself or on behalf of a non-governmental organization, who supports, encourages, finances, provides , receives or has in his possession funds, material or financial resources, with the purpose of defraying activities against the State and its constitutional order, will incur a sanction of deprivation of liberty from four to 10 years.

  1. Crimes against electoral processes and democratic participation

The new Code also penalizes those who “promote or induce abstention among people with the right to vote”, punishes people who “show disrespect towards electoral authorities or candidates during the development of elections or processes of democratic participation” (art. 431.2.c), and also penalizes those who “disseminate by any means… expressions that denigrate electoral councils or structures.

  1. Death penalty

The norm that was approved in an extraordinary session maintains the death penalty as an option for criminal punishment, and the crimes in which this sanction can be imposed went from 19 to 24 in the new Code. This is totally contrary to the recommendations of the human rights organs that have explicitly suggested that Cuba abolish this figure from its legislation [4].

  1. Criminal responsibility of minors

Another point that generates concern among the Cuban population is the one that refers to criminal responsibility, which in the new Code is maintained from the age of 16, ignoring the best interests and the special care that minors require, in light of of international human rights standards.

  1. Femicide not included

The art. 344 of the new Criminal Code punishes murder with a prison sentence of 20 to 30 years, life imprisonment or death when the act is committed “due to gender discrimination”, and art. 345.1 considers the same sanctions when “a woman is killed as a result of gender violence”; however, nowhere was femicide included as an autonomous crime, despite the fact that women’s organizations residing on the Island have reiterated this request several times.

Each of these points reflects the ambiguity and lack of guarantees that people in Cuba face when exercising their rights to freedom of expression, protest and peaceful association. The new Penal Code intensifies the sanctions, placing activists, artists, jurists, independent journalists, human rights defenders, and anyone who speaks out against the government, or simply claims their rights, at special risk.

From Race and Equality, we call for the State of Cuba to comply in good faith with the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and we urge the international community to observe how the implementation of this norm progresses, which has generated so much concern in the Cuban population.

 

[1]Criminal Code Project. Available at https://raceandequality.org/662 _

[2]Draft Penal Code, January 19, 2022, Art. 143, available at

https://www.tsp.gob.cu/sites/default/files/documentos/ACP%20EN%20WEB.%2019.01.2022.pdf

[3]Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Opinion 4/2020, regarding Aymara Nieto, Eliecer Bandera, Humberto Rico, José Pompa, Melkis Faure , Mitzael Díaz and Silverio Portal, para. 135, UN Doc. A/HRC/WGAD/2020/4 (June 26, 2020). Available at https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/Detention/Opinions/Session87/A_HRC_WGAD_2020_4_Advance_Edited_Version.pdf

[4] Concluding observations CAT 2022. Paragraph 38. Available at : https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CAT/Shared%20Documents/CUB/INT_CAT_COC_CUB_48650_S.pdf

Join Our Efforts

Help empower individuals and communities to achieve structural changes in Latin America.