Government Attacks Against Homosexuals

Cuban authorities confirmed the arrest of more than 500 individuals who were participating in gatherings in this city. Among those arrested were gays, lesbians and prostitutes.

The house-nightclub known as "El Periquitón", located in La Ceiba, a municipality of Playa in the outskirts of Havana, was the scene of a showy operative by the police special brigade, who took away in several trucks hundreds of homosexuals who were partying in that establishment.

According to information received by this agency, among those arrested were a famous French couturier and the Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar.

Marianela Ferriol, a spokesperson for the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Relations, declared that the raid occurred because in the establishment there were present prostitutes, pimps and under aged children.

A similar operative took place last Saturday at "Mi Cayito", a beach recreational center at Playa del Este. Among those arrested were Spanish and Italian tourists. "Mi Cayito" is a regular meeting place for homosexuals and prostitutes in this tourist area of the Cuban capital.

In Cuba, homosexuals are prohibited from associating or gathering anywhere. It was also learned that a gays world organization in Madrid had sent a note to the Cuban government protesting these actions.

The Cuban Penal Code sanctions homosexuality activity with a maximum of one year in jail. The owners of the house where the arrests took place are still detained.

Translated by E. Treto
Atlanta, GA