CUBA: No More Law

The dictatorship of President Fulgencio Batista, having long since reduced the legislative branch of the Cuban government to a rubber stamp, busied itself last week with destroying the independence of the judiciary. Enacted into law a fortnight ago was a Cabinet decree making judges removable for "any public or private statements, express or tacit conduct, direct or indirect actions criticizing any political officials or authority."

Star-chamber proceedings were held under the "zipper law" (socalled because it seals judges' mouths) against two judges and nine magistrates. Lawyers called the new law a clear...

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