Persecuted Cuban Pastor Granted Asylum, Arrives in U.S.
An evangelical pastor who endured years of persecution by the Cuban government has arrived in the United States after being granted political asylum.
Pastor Carlos Lamelas, his wife, and their two daughters landed at Miami International Airport July 7, having flown in directly from Havana, Cuba.
While living under Fidel Castro's regime, before power was handed to his brother, Raul, Lamelas was arrested and charged with human trafficking, which supporters claim was just a ruse for the outspoken Church of God leader's criticism of government interference with religious communities in the Communist country.
Pastor Lamelas' arrest came in 2006 when authorities arrived at his home to conduct a search and to seize certain items. He was imprisoned for four months and prohibited from resuming his duties after his release. Their home was also seized by the government, and so Lamelas and his family were forced to move in with his parents and had to share a cramped one bedroom apartment.
The church leader was eventually put on trial in December 2006, but was found not guilty when the state prosecutor failed to show up in court, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Despite having his freedom, Lamelas was unable to provide steady employment for his family. Mrs. Lamelas had also been prohibited by government officials from obtaining legal work, according to CSW.
Government officials also reportedly forced Lamelas' Church of God denomination, affiliated with the Cuban Council of Churches, to expel the pastor from the group.
Although his first application for asylum, filed in 2010, was denied, Lamelas tried again. The second time around, the pastor's prayers were answered and on March 22, he and his family were approved for political asylum.
Andrew Johnston, CSW Advocacy Director said in a statement, “We are relieved that the Lamelas family will finally be able to carry on with their lives free from government harassment. It is unacceptable, however, that this was only made possible by leaving the country.”
