Tuesday, April 18, 2000

Cuban Officials Assault Us Citizens In Washington, DC

Press Conference:

Washington, DC – On the evening of Friday, April 14, 2000, approximately 15 men from the Cuban Interest Section in Washington, DC exited the gate of their compound and assaulted US Citizens outside on the sidewalk.  According to the police report filed by uniformed Secret Service officers who witnessed the incident, “Cuban employees of the mission came out and began to assault the demonstrators on the front sidewalk.”

The people assaulted, including students, professionals and government employees, had been holding a peaceful vigil for Elián Gonzalez. "Cuban diplomats applied tactics which are routinely used in Cuba to silence opposition.  Harassment and intimidation will not be tolerated in the U.S. and we want the Clinton Administration to take concrete steps to investigate and hold these lawbreakers accountable," Mauricio Claver-Carone said.

The U.S. Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation have begun investigations into this incident and have requested information from the Cuban Interests Section, which has been denied.  Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has requested the State Department and FBI to review this matter.

Miami Mayor Joe Carollo spoke to US Attorney General Janet Reno and requested a full investigation of last Friday's events. The Attorney General committed to a full investigation and asked Mr. Carollo to participate in obtaining the statements from the students and others involved.

A press conference will be held tomorrow Tuesday, April 18, 2000 at 12 p.m. in front of the Cuban Interests Section located at 2630 16 Street, N.W.  Miami Mayor Joe Carollo will join the victims of the attack.

"Cuban diplomats chose to violate our laws and must be held accountable for their attack on peaceful protestors," concluded Israel Moya.