By Michael Voss

BBC News, Havana



The Cuban authorities have arrested one of the island's leading punk rock musicians, Gorki Aguila of band Porno Para Ricardo.

He could face charges of dangerousness, which allow the authorities to detain people who are likely to commit crimes.

According to fellow band members, he was picked up by police at his home in Havana on Monday as the group were preparing to record their latest album.

The group's lyrics are often critical of life on the communist island.

The head of Cuba's illegal, but tolerated, Human Rights Commission, Elizardo Sanchez, confirmed the detention and said that so far no-one has been allowed access to visit him.

Another member of the band, which was formed about 10 years ago, lead guitarist Ciro Diaz, said he was told by the police that the 39-year-old musician would face charges of dangerousness.

Under Cuba's penal code, the charge covers behaviours contrary "to the standards of communist morality".

Habitual drunkenness, drug addiction and anti-social behaviour are all signs of a state of dangerousness, which carries a sentence of up to four years in jail.

There has been no comment on the detention by the Cuban authorities.

It is believed that Gorki Aguila could come before a judge on Thursday, although he has yet to be formally charged.



