Police detains an activist and confiscates his belongings

Juan Alberto de la Nuez Ramírez was detained on Monday, 20 May, after he did his shopping in a special store known as "Tienda Recaudadora de Divisas" in the municipality of Jagüey Grande. When leaving, the officials in blue uniforms detained him at 11:30 am and drove him by a patrol car to the police station. When they arrived, he was received by two secret police officers who identified themselves as Alberto and Alexis. Before he was put in a prison cell, they issued for him a detention form and confiscated him 20 packages of pasta and a briefcase he bought in the shop, without providing him with an adequate document about the confiscation. He was not allowed to make a phone call, even if it is stipulated by the Penal Code, article 244. Juan Alberto de la Nuez Ramírez bought the pasta in order to organize an activity for disabled chidren, an event which his organization prepares on a monthly basis. He was released on Tuesday, 21 May at 11 am.