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Cuba

• Imprisoned pastor falsely accused

  Photo from Christian Solidarity Worldwide

  Pastor Omar Gude Perez, who has been held in detention in Cuba since May 2008, is facing false charges of "illicit economic activity and falsification of documents," according to an April 17 report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The original charge of "human trafficking" placed against Pastor Perez was dismissed in March due to lack of evidence. The State prosecutor has requested a seven-year prison sentence be given to the pastor, who is currently imprisoned in the city of Camaguey. According to local Christians, Pastor Perez has been targeted by authorities because he is one of the main leaders of an unrecognized denomination. Other leaders and members of the denomination have also faced pressure from government officials.

  Pray that the charges will be dropped. Ask God to provide for and protect Pastor Perez's family. Pray that Cuban believers will rejoice in the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4).

  To find out more about suffering Christians in Cuba,click here.

• Lamelas Fined on New Charges

  Pastor Carlos Lamelas, who was absolved of "human trafficking" charges on December 13 (click here for more details), has been convicted on charges of "falsifying documents." According to a December 22 report from Compass Direct, the tribunal claims that Lamelas signed a letter that certified a man named Lázaro Leonardo Laza as an accredited worker of the Church of God without the proper verification. Lamelas was fined 1,000 Cuban pestos (CAD $52) for the new charges.

• Pastor Lamelas Absolved of All Charges

  Pastor Carlos Lamelas, who was tried for "human trafficking" on December 4 (click here for the details), was absolved of all charges against him on December 13. Lamelas' lawyer, however, has advised him that he could still be fined for "falsification of documents." Thank the Lord that Pastor Lamelas' charges have been dropped. Pray that he will not undergo further persecution from Cuban authorities.

• Update: Trial Held for Pastor

  On November 22, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported that charges were proceeding against Pastor Carlos Lamelas for "human trafficking." According to a letter received from Lamelas, the trial was held on December 4 and the prosecutor recommended that Lamelas be exonerated of all charges and that there be no punishment. The case is now before the judge who may take several weeks to make a decision.

  Pray that all charges will be dropped.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in Cuba,click here.
• Charges to Proceed Against Pastor

  In February, Cuban authorities raided the home of Pastor Carlos Lamelas, accusing him of aiding emigrants who sought to leave the country. Those who know Lamelas denied this, believing he was being targeted for opposing the Cuban regime on religious rights issues (click here to read more). Lamelas continued to suffer in prison without charges until he was suddenly given a "conditional release" on June 26.

  VOMC has learned that Pastor Lamelas was notified by his lawyer on November 17 that the prosecutor intends to proceed on charges of human trafficking. If convicted, he could spend nine years in prison. The trial is scheduled for December 20.

  Pray that the prosecutor will recognize Pastor Lamelas' innocence and drop all charges. Pray for his young daughters, Estefania and Daniela, who are facing persecution in school because of their father's case. Pray for the continued spread of the gospel in Cuba despite increasing government opposition.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in Cuba,click here.

• Pastor Lamelas Released

  After 126 days in custody without charges, Pastor Carlos Lamelas was unexpectedly allowed to return to his home on June 26. Lamelas told Christian Solidarity Worldwide, "Our feet are on the ground, but our hearts are in the clouds!" Overwhelmed by the support of Christians around the world, Lamelas expressed his deep gratitude to those who prayed and acted on his behalf. Unfortunately, his legal status is not yet clear, since the meaning of a "provisional release" is uncertain. Continue to pray for Pastor Lamelas and his family.

• Concerns For Pastor and Family

  Since his arrest on February 20, The Voice of the Martyrs has been following the plight of Pastor Carlos Lamelas imprisoned in Cuba. According to reports, his wife, Uramis, is quite depressed about the situation and Carlos' poor health. Uramis is allowed to see Carlos only once a week under constant supervision. There are also concerns about the health of their twelve-year-old daughter. Pray for the family during this difficult time. Letters of encouragement can be sent to:

  Uramis Frometa Salvat de Lamelas
  220 No. 6910 Entre 69 y 71
  La Lisa, Habana, CUBA

  For the safety of the family, please refrain from any reference to the country's government in your letter. Also, please do not mention the name of The Voice of the Martyrs or any other Christian organization.

• Imprisoned Pastor in Poor Health

  Carlos Lamelas with his wife and daughter

  After almost three months in prison for allegedly aiding the illegal emigration of refugees (click here for more details), VOMC sources report that Pastor Carlos Lamelas is in poor health with blood pressure problems and serious weight loss. Lamelas has yet to be formally charged.  His wife is allowed to visit him for fifteen minutes each Monday morning. Continue to uphold Pastor Lamelas and his family in prayer.

  Notes of encouragement can be sent to Pastor Lamelas' wife at
  Uramis Frometa Salvat de Lamelas
  220 No. 6910 Entre 69 t 71
  La Lisa, Habana, Cuba

• Update on Arrested Pastor

  Continue to pray for Rev. Carlos Lamelas, an evangelical Cuban pastor arrested on February 20.  According to a March 31 report from Compass Direct, he has not yet been advised on the charges against him.  He is described as "pretty discouraged" about the lack of progress in the case.  For more information on this case, click here.

• Pastor Imprisoned on Emigration Charges

  On February 20, Cuban authorities raided the home of Pastor Carlos Lamelas.  He was arrested and his computer, personal documents and several pieces of office equipment were confiscated.  According to a March 2 report from Compass Direct, Lamelas is apparently being held on charges of aiding emigrants who sought to leave the country illegally.  Those acquainted with Pastor Lamelas deny that he was ever involved in such activities.

  Some sources believe that police have targeted Pastor Lamelas because he has challenged the Castro regime on religious rights issues.  His wife was able to visit him for ten minutes on February 27.  She reports that he appeared "exhausted and depressed" and that he has been isolated from other inmates during his confinement.

  For the past year, the Lamelas' have been deprived of income and under constant surveillance after he was removed from his office as president of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) by the national board of directors and expelled from his church. The Cuban director of Religious Affairs endorsed the action, arousing suspicion that the government was complicit in the expulsion. When dozens of fellow ministers questioned the actions of the denominational directors, they were also expelled, without appeal.

  Pray that the truth of Pastor Lamalas' innocence will be revealed and that he will soon be released. Pray that God will uplift his spirits while in prison. Pray for his wife, Uramis, and his two daughters, Estefania (12) and Daniela (5). Pray for the continued spread of the gospel in Cuba despite increasing government opposition.

  For more information on persecution facing Christians in Cuba,click here.