April 2003
International Terrorist Attacks Decreased in 2002 Compared to the Previous Year
The U.S. State Department reported a significant decrease in international terrorist attacks in 2002, with 199 attacks resulting in 725 deaths, down from 355 attacks…
Cuba's Re-election to the UN Human Rights Commission - April 30, 2003
Cuba has been re-elected to the UN Human Rights Commission, which has angered the U.S. government. The U.S. criticized the decision, citing Cuba's recent harsh…
Pope John Paul II's Advice to Fidel Castro - April 26, 2003
Pope John Paul II urged Fidel Castro to show mercy towards imprisoned political dissidents in Cuba and expressed regret over the execution of three men…
On This Day, April 21: The U.S. and Spain War Over Cuban Independence - 2003-04-21
On April 21, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain to support Cuba's fight for independence. This conflict marked a significant moment in U.S.…
Cuban Government Refuses UN Investigation into Human Rights in the Country - 2003-04-19
The Cuban government has rejected a UN resolution allowing observers to investigate human rights violations in Cuba, claiming it undermines the country's independence. This decision…
Argentina's Government Refuses to Participate in UN Meeting on Human Rights in Cuba - 2003-04-15
The Argentine government has decided not to attend a UN meeting regarding human rights in Cuba, reversing its previous stance on condemning violations. This decision…
Cuban Government Executes Three Individuals Involved in Passenger Boat Hijacking in Hopes of Reaching the U.S.
The Cuban government executed three individuals for hijacking a passenger boat in an attempt to reach the U.S. Eight others received various prison sentences. This…
Cuba Will Keep Its Embassy in Baghdad Open
Cuba has decided to maintain its embassy in Baghdad amid the ongoing war in Iraq but will refrain from involvement in the conflict led by…
The U.S. Condemns the Sentencing of Cuban Dissidents - 2003-04-08
The U.S. has condemned the long prison sentences given to several Cuban dissidents, including journalists, by the Cuban government. This action reflects ongoing tensions between…
Change in Belgium's Extraterritorial Trial Law - 2003-04-06
Belgium's parliament has amended a law that previously allowed for the prosecution of foreigners for war crimes in Belgian courts. The changes now permit prosecutors…
Armed Individuals Hijack a Passenger Boat from Cuba - 2003-04-03
Armed individuals hijacked a passenger boat from Cuba, threatening to harm the passengers if the boat does not head to the U.S. Cuban and American…
Cuba and the United States Blame Each Other for Second Plane Hijacking in Two Weeks
Cuba and the U.S. are in a blame game over a recent plane hijacking, with a man armed with grenades taking control of a flight…
Man Who Hijacked Cuban Passenger Plane Surrenders to Police in Florida - 2003-04-01
A man hijacked a Cuban passenger plane, threatening to detonate a grenade if not taken to Miami. After a tense standoff, he surrendered in Florida,…