The Cuban government controls all religious activity through an oppressive legal framework, requiring state approval for anything beyond regular worship. It draws on its vast domestic security and surveillance apparatus to harass religious leaders and worshippers. Authorities wrongfully imprison individuals for peaceful religious activities, including members of unregistered religious communities, as membership in an unregistered religious group is considered a crime.
Source: Archbishop of Havana Juan de la Caridad Garcia Rodriguez takes part in the procession to honor the Virgin of The Charity of El Cobre, the country's patron saint, in Havana, REUTERS / Medina