Distributed by The Cuba Free Press Project.

Havana, August 27, 1997, Cuba Press

Police officers endanger the live of Orfidio Morera Muņoz. By Marvin Hernandez Monzon, Cuba Press.

Police officers endangered the life of 25-year old Orfidio Morera Muņoz, resident of Finca La Palma, in Palmira, Province of Cienfuegos, during his arrest which took place this past August 2, when they searched his home but were unable to find any inculpatory evidence - stated the family of the victim.

At the police unit in Palmira, the relatives of the detainee overheard the officer known as "Rey" say to the officer known as "Mateo": "We are going to have to break his legs by accusing him of theft and of slaughtering large stock because we were unable to find any proof." One hour later, Orfidio was transferred to the provincial unit in Cienfuegos where he was held in prison for six days, two of which he was left without a shirt and standing up in a room with very low temperature, a situation which brought on an obstruction in his urine and had to be taken to the hospital.

The officer Mateo beat the detainee on the head several times before setting him free. According to our sources, this rendered Morera Muņoz unconscious when he arrived at his home on the 8th. For several days he was incoherent and suffered fainting spells. He is as of today out on bond pending trial for theft and slaughtering of stock.

In 1990, the policeman Mateo brutalized Orfidio's brother, Eddy Morera, to such an extent that he caused his eardrum to burst. After the family filed a complaint against him, the law enforcement agent disappeared, nothing was done, and his actions continue unbridled in the community.

By Marvin Hernandez Monzon, Cuba Press.