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Bolivian authorities ordered on Thursday the release of 12 out of 17 Cuban citizens who had been detained at the Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, allegedly for carrying fake visas.
Among them is Orlidia Barceló, an independent journalist from the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP), who claims to be a victim of political persecution on the island.
The judicial decision comes after the Bolivian citizen Hernán Guerra, married to a Cuban, hired lawyer José Cardona to file a petition for freedom on behalf of 12 of them.
According to Cardona, five of the 17 Cubans rejected the asylum application, while the other 12 expressed their intention to seek refuge in Bolivia.
Before the release, ICLEP had warned of the "imminent risk" that the 12 individuals could be forcibly transferred and secretly expelled to Cuba, which, according to the organization, would expose them to persecution and retaliation.
In an audio released by ICLEP, Barceló denounced that those detained had been "stripped of their belongings" and locked in a room at the airport.
The journalist reported that when officials tried to remove them from the location, the group barricaded themselves in one of the rooms where they had been since their arrival to prevent being moved.
The 12 individuals released are now preparing to formally submit their asylum applications in Bolivia.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) publicly called for asylum to be granted to Barceló, while the ICLEP urged Bolivian authorities to ensure safety, due process, and respect for international refugee protection standards.
The Ombudsman confirmed that the 17 Cubans expressed their desire to seek political asylum and urged the government to comply with the international treaties signed by the country, including the Refugee Convention, as well as with the Constitution and the laws on international protection.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of Cubans Detained in Bolivia
Why were the Cubans held at the Viru Viru airport in Bolivia?
The Cubans were detained on the accusation of holding false visas. Bolivian immigration authorities claimed that the tickets and accommodation reservations of the Cubans were fraudulent, despite their assertion that their documents had been legally issued by the Bolivian consulate in Cuba.
How many Cubans were released and what actions were taken?
12 of the 17 detained Cubans have been released after a lawyer, hired by a Bolivian citizen married to a Cuban national, filed a writ of habeas corpus on their behalf. These 12 expressed their intention to apply for asylum in Bolivia.
What is the current situation of the released Cubans in Bolivia?
The 12 Cubans who were released are preparing to formalize their asylum requests in Bolivia. The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have called for their safety to be ensured and for international standards for the protection of refugees to be respected.
What consequences do Cubans face if they are deported from Bolivia?
If they are deported, Cubans fear facing reprisals from the Cuban regime due to the visibility of their case. Moreover, many sold all their belongings to finance their journey, so returning to Cuba could leave them homeless and without resources.
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