In its latest report, the Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) says the Cuban regime has launched a major crackdown against churches and has seized and demolished at least 1,400 church buildings. The regime is justifying its action by claiming that the churches are unregistered, and therefore, illegal.
The report cites more than 1,000 cases of religious freedom violations, including the “destruction of church property, arbitrary detention and other forms of harassment, in particular seizure of religious leaders’ personal belongings.”
The vehemence of the latest crackdown is such that Christians are often “violently dragged away by security agents as they leave their homes or upon arriving at church services,” the CSW report states.
According to CSW, church leaders have raised concerns that the government’s treatment of religious groups has significantly deteriorated in the last year.
CSW has so far documented at least nine incidents this year where pastors were harassed and detained as state workers demolished their churches.
“CSW is alarmed by the escalation of freedom of religion or belief violations throughout Cuba, but humbled by the courage and perseverance of the many religious communities who continue to peacefully resist government pressure,” CSW Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said in statement.
Thomas urges the United States and other Western countries to pressure Cuba to stop violating human rights.
CSW is also urging Christians around the world to pray for the protection of pastors in Cuba, especially those who are languishing in Cuban prisons.
male@ugchristiannews.com
