The Canadian Press reports that Manfred Nowak, the U.N.'s independent torture investigator, "is deeply disappointed by Cuba's decision to block him from visiting the country for the first time."

[...]the Cuban government informed him it was unable to accommodate his visit before the end of his term on Oct. 30.

Nowak said Wednesday that he had received a "clear invitation" from the government earlier this year and had hoped to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment in the communist country.

The U.N.-appointed human rights expert has made several fruitless attempts to visit the island since 2005.

Cuban Ambassador in Geneva Rodolfo Reyes Rodriguez declined to comment, saying he was awaiting instructions on the matter from Havana.

Press release from the Cuban Canadian Foundation.

International demonstration in support for The Ladies in White and the international demand for the freedom of the Cuban Political prisioners.

Dear Friends

As an answer to the international call in support of Laides in White, our organization asks for friend of Cuba's freedom and all exiled Cuban who live with dignity in Canada, to protest in front of the General Cuban Consulate in Toronto at 5353 Dundas St West, Square Kipling, this Saturday 22th of May from 12 to 2 pm.

Thank you in advance for your participation or support.

Please send us a confirmation message [to ccf@cubancanadianfoundation.com] and spread the word. We hope to see you there, now that Cuba’s Freedom is closer.

Ismael Sambra

Reelected President CCF