Surprise, surprise... In spite of the magnanimity of dictator Raul Castro's new policy that supposedly now allows all Cubans to travel, yet another dissident has been denied a passport by the regime and is forced to remain in Cuba.

It turns out Cuba's "new" migratory policy continues to look a lot like Cuba's old migratory policy. Add to the list another "reform" of Cuban dictator Raul Castro that in practice is not so reforming.

Via the BBC:

Cuba dissident Gisela Delgado 'denied travel permission'

Cuban dissident Gisela Delgado says authorities have turned down her request to travel abroad.

It is the first known refusal since exit permits were abolished last month.

Ms Delgado, who wanted to visit family in the US, told the AFP news agency that she was turned down because of her "counter-revolutionary activities".

However, some government critics have been allowed to obtain passports and travel, including blogger Yoani Sanchez.

Ms Sanchez, who was repeatedly denied permission to go abroad, is planning a foreign trip later this month.

For many decades, Cubans had to go through a lengthy and expensive process to obtain an exit permit.

Under January's reforms, most Cubans now need only a passport and, where applicable, a visa for their intended destination.

However there are still some travel restrictions on people considered "vital" for the country.

For the record, Delgado is not the "first known refusal" of a passport: That we have confirmed, dissidents Angel Moya and Jose Daniel Ferrer have both been denied passports as well. I know it is asking a lot, but the journalists at the BBC should do a little more research before publishing their articles.

Gisela Delgado