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Dissident Cuban rocker fined $28, freed |
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Written by Will Weissert, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Friday, 29 August 2008 |
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HAVANA - A Cuban court convicted a punk rocker known for his raunchy lyrics against Fidel Castro of public disorder Friday, but freed him after dismissing a more serious "social dangerousness" charge that could have brought four years behind bars.
Following a two-hour trial, the court ordered Gorki Aguila to pay 600 pesos (US$28) and pledged to release the 39-year-old singer, who defiantly screamed "Freedom!" as he was being led into the courtroom.
The fine is big money in a country where nearly everyone, Aguila included, works for the state and takes home an average of 408 pesos (US$19.50) per month.
But Aguila would have faced far more severe punishment had he been convicted of "social dangerousness," which the government defines as violating "communist morality." That charge is often used to detain would-be offenders before they have a chance to commit a crime.
Elizardo Sanchez, head of the independent Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation took the unusual step of attending the trial - which was open to Aguila's father and band mates as well as about 10 of his supporters, but closed to reporters.
"The prosecution asked for a fine," said Sanchez, whose group is not recognized but largely tolerated by Cuba's communist government. "Fortunately, there will be no more time in prison."
Aguila was arrested Monday as his band, Porno para Ricardo, rehearsed at the modest Havana apartment he shares with his father. The case sparked international outcry but caused little stir on the island, where the band has only a small but devoted following.
Aguila was previously arrested in 2005 on drug charges that he says were fabricated because authorities objected to his music.
Founded 10 years ago, the band - whose name means "Porno for Ricardo" - is known for ridiculing the communist system, especially Castro, 82 and ailing, and his younger brother Raul, who became president in February. Its songs at one time were broadcast on state radio and TV, but the group was later banned and has resorted to small, occasional concerts in underground venues.
With long and wild curly black hair and healthy stubble, Aguila grinned and waved to supporters as officers loaded him in a police cruiser following the ruling. He was taken to a municipal office to pay his fine and be processed for release.
Sanchez said Friday before the trial that the "dangerousness" charge usually results in jail time for people who have not committed any crime.
"Because of 'social dangerousness,' thousands and thousands of Cubans are in prison," he said.
Band Guitarist Ciro Diaz said authorities told Aguila's state-assigned lawyer he was arrested for being "an anti-social."
"His lawyer said he talked to the prosecutors, and that a judge told them this was a political trial," Diaz said outside the courthouse. "That this was about an undesirable in the neighbourhood who made songs with lyrics against the system, against Fidel and everything else."
Diaz said he and a friend were roughed up and arrested by state agents the previous night after they held up a handwritten sign reading "Gorki" at an open-air concert by legendary Cuban singer Pablo Milanes. He said they were treated for minor injuries and then interrogated for hours before being released without charge.
Gathered outside the courthouse before Friday's trial were human rights observers from the Canadian and Dutch embassies, as well as an official from the U.S. Interests Section. Blogger Yoani Sanchez - who has won international acclaim for her criticism of the government - was granted access to the trial, which she called "an inquisition."
"It's a message to all those who have not yet dared to criticize things but were thinking about it," she said.
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