The Nassau Guardian
Munroe says bid made for Cubans to testify
After weeks of calling for the Cubans who have alleged abuse to return to The Bahamas to bring evidence, attorney Wayne Munroe yesterday claimed the defense force has made a request to the Cuban government for two men in Cuba to return to The Bahamas.
Munroe credited the organization for the move and said based on his understanding the response from the Cuban government will determine how and when the hearing will proceed.
However, Munroe said in the event that the men — Yordan Cantero and Alexander Vazcuez — are not granted permission to travel, the parties involved in the hearings into the alleged abuse at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre should travel to Cuba.
“The Cuban government may decide that the men having run from the country once before and attempting to escape a detention center guarded by soldiers that ‘we’re not going to let you just go up to give evidence because it could be used as an opportunity to not return’,” he said.
“If that turns out to be the position of the Cuban government, my view is that we should be going to Cuba to have these two gentlemen give evidence and be subject to cross-examination.”
Asked whether testimony via video link would be a more viable option, Munroe said live testimony would allow the parties to validate important details.
“Actually seeing things in context is important and you do not really get that over a video link,” he said.
It is alleged that several Cuban detainees were severely beaten at the detention center after they attempted to escape.
Munroe said so far, 23 people testified in the matter.
He said an immigration officer on duty at the time of the attempted escape described a conflict between a petty officer and one of the Cubans who have yet to testify as a “David and Goliath contest”.
Munroe represents five marines accused of abusing the detainees.
He said his clients deny the allegation.
Munroe said the marines could face stoppages of pay, a reduction in rank or other disciplinary actions that would be placed on their record.
The allegations set off a firestorm of controversy and protests from a group of Miami-based Cuban advocates who labeled the incident an abuse of power.
A defense force officer, who is also a lawyer, is prosecuting the matter.
Carlos Pupo, a former detainee who alleged that he was abused, testified two weeks ago, according to Munroe.
Munroe said Pupo testified that he was beaten from 3 a.m. to sunrise.
According to Munroe, Pupo is being held at Her Majesty’s Prisons.
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