Cuba: Absolute power...

HAVANA, May 5 (Dorka Céspedes, Lux Info Press / www.cubanet.org) - Guanabacoa police sector chief Lázaro Smith recklessly waved his Russian-made Makarov pistol threatening several street vendors trying to peddle cigarettes, coffee, toothpaste, and plastic bags, in the local park.

According to several residents, the officer often exhibits this kind of behaviour.

Isora Hurtado, a local labor activist, said Smith is in the habit of mistreating people, grabbing their shopping bags, imposing fines indiscriminately and confiscating people's goods.

"During this week," said Hurtado, "he has searched a number of people. At the market, he confiscated a sack of coconuts from two young men, accusing them of hoarding. The two said they had bought the coconuts and that they wanted them for a religious ceremony."

Smith did not return the coconuts and fined them 60 pesos.

Oppress man until man can't live.