A journalist with El Nuevo Herald, the Spanish section of the Miami Herald, states that the Radical Association for a Free Cuba exists and it has been in operation for over a year now in Havana (2 Nov. 1993). According to the source, this is a dissident group and like all opposition groups in Cuba, it is taken seriously by the Cuban government (ibid.). As a result, its members have been subjected to constant surveillance by the authorities (ibid.).

Other documents consulted do not mention the Radical Association for a Free Cuba. However, they do name groups that have the theme of a free or liberated Cuba. News from Americas Watch notes the existence of an organization called Liberacion, a Christian democratic organization that calls for the reform of the Cuban constitution (23 Feb. 1993, 16). The members of the organization have also been subjected to arrests, reprisals and intimidation by the authorities (ibid.).

Latin American Political Movements also mentions the existence of what it calls a right-wing, US-based guerrilla group by the name of Organization for the Liberation of Cuba (1985, 89). The organization claims to be supported by wealthy members of the Cuban community in Miami, Florida (ibid.). According to the source, the group was involved, during the Reagan administration, in clandestine training in guerilla warfare (ibid.).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Journalist with El Nuevo Herald [Miami]. 2 November 1993. Telephone interview.

News from Americas Watch [New York]. 25 February 1993. Vol. 5, No. 1. "Cuba: `Perfecting' the System of Control: Human Rights Violations in Castro's 34th Year."

. 24 February 1992. Vol. 4, No. 1. "Tightening the Grip: Human Rights Abuses in Cuba (August 1991-February 1992)."

Latin American Political Movements. 1985. Edited by Ciaran O. Maolain. London: Longman Group UK Ltd.

Amnesty International: Urgent Action, Updates, News Releases on Cuba.

Human Rights Internet Reporter [Cambridge, Mass]. January 1990. Vol. 13, Nos. 2 and 3. "Human Rights Directory: Latin America and the Caribbean."

Political Handbook of the World: 1992. Edited by Arthur S. Banks. Binghamton, NY: CSA Publications.

Revolutionary and Dissident Movements: An International Guide. 1991. London: Longman Group UK Ltd.