“Pre-crime social dangerousness” II

Cuba punk rock musician Gorki Aguila Carrasco was spared jail this week, after the Cuban government arrested him on the ridiculous charge of “pre-crime social dangerousness” — thanks most likely to the considerable media attention which Aguila’s arrest received around the world. Aguila’s sentence was reduced to a $30 fine for playing music too loud. Despite his brush with the government, reports the BBC, Aguila’s not about to keep quiet.

He had faced a possible four year term in prison for the crime known in Cuba as social dangerousness.

The controversial law allows the jailing of people who the authorities believe have been displaying behaviour that would indicate they could be on the verge of committing a crime.

But, prior to the trial, prosecutors decided to drop the charge. Instead Mr Aguila was found guilty of public disorder for playing his group’s music too loud while they were recording their new album.

He was then ordered to pay a $30 fine and released.

Minutes later, the outspoken bushy-haired singer told reporters gathered outside his house that it was clear the international interest in his case had played a key role in the last-minute decision by prosecutors to drop the more serious charge he was facing.

He also vowed to continue criticising the Cuban government and its emblematic communist leaders like Fidel Castro and the current president, Raul Castro.

Not even a communist dictatorship can ignore world opinion for ever. This may be a hopeful sign that as Fidel’s health deteriorates, Raul will not be able to keep a lid on dissent for much longer.