Religious Liberty Violations Rise Sharply in Cuba

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that pressure on religious leaders in Cuba has increased significantly over the past year according to a new CSW report. Comprehensive evidence within the document details a sharp rise in religious liberty violations there. Independent church leaders from the fast growing Apostolic Movement have been particularly targeted for harassment, detentions and court summons by the government. Last week Pastor Mario Alvarez, the Havana based leader of a church affiliated with Apostolic Movement, was informed by government officials that he is to be evicted from his home. Two other leaders from the Apostolic Movement are currently in prison. Alexi Perez, a leader in Pastor Alvarez's church, has now been in prison for almost two months, while Pastor Omar Gude Perez was sentenced to six years in prison in July. This follows the detention of at least sixty pastors and leaders linked to the Apostolic Movement in May and June alone.