Cuban detainee located to testify in RBDF hearing

Tue, Jan 20th 2015, 12:40 AM

Hearings into the alleged abuse of a group of Cuban migrants may finally conclude, as officials have located the final detainee who is expected to testify, attorney Wayne Munroe said yesterday.
The man, Alexander Vascuez, was expected to testify last July, but the Cuban government was unable to locate him.
Munroe said the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) advised him last week that Vascuez has been located and will testify.
Vascuez was part of a group of Cuban migrants who were allegedly abused by RBDF marines in 2013 after an escape attempt from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
Munroe said Vascuez will testify by way of closed-circuit television (CCTV).
"We are seeking to agree to a date now for the continuation," he said.
The hearings began in November 2013 and were placed on hold that December.
The Bahamas government had sought the Cuban government's approval in allowing Vascuez and Yordan Cantero to testify.
Last July, the Cuban government gave permission for the men to testify, but only Cantero showed up.
Vascuez was believed to be in the United States.
Munroe said he was not told where Vascuez was found.
"There may also be some testimony of other detainees," he said.
"We may need witness anonymity orders for their safety, because after they give evidence they will be returned to the detention center."

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