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Cuba political prisoner list dips | Cuba political prisoner list dips |
(about 9 hours later) | |
By Michael Voss BBC News, Havana There are signs that Cuba may be about to release more dissidents | By Michael Voss BBC News, Havana There are signs that Cuba may be about to release more dissidents |
The number of political prisoners in Cuba has fallen from 201 to 167 since the beginning of 2010, the unofficial Cuban Human Rights Commission says. | The number of political prisoners in Cuba has fallen from 201 to 167 since the beginning of 2010, the unofficial Cuban Human Rights Commission says. |
This is almost half the number of political prisoners compared with when Fidel Castro handed over power to his younger brother Raul four years ago. | This is almost half the number of political prisoners compared with when Fidel Castro handed over power to his younger brother Raul four years ago. |
But the commission's head Elizardo Sanchez says the fall reflects a change in the manner of political repression. | But the commission's head Elizardo Sanchez says the fall reflects a change in the manner of political repression. |
He says harassment and intimidation are now replacing long prison sentences. | He says harassment and intimidation are now replacing long prison sentences. |
International outcry | International outcry |
A report by the illegal but tolerated Cuban Human Rights Commission cites more than 800 cases of people being detained this year then later sent home without charge. | |
But there are signs that President Raul Castro may be about to release more dissidents. | But there are signs that President Raul Castro may be about to release more dissidents. |
The Cuban authorities were stung by the widespread international outcry, following the death of a jailed dissident hunger striker in February. | The Cuban authorities were stung by the widespread international outcry, following the death of a jailed dissident hunger striker in February. |
Another hunger striker, Guillermo Farinas, who is campaigning for the release of the most seriously ill prisoners, is currently in a critical condition in hospital. | Another hunger striker, Guillermo Farinas, who is campaigning for the release of the most seriously ill prisoners, is currently in a critical condition in hospital. |
One paraplegic dissident was released, following mediation by the Roman Catholic Church. | One paraplegic dissident was released, following mediation by the Roman Catholic Church. |
Now Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Morantinos is due in Havana shortly to help support the church's efforts, amid reports from Madrid that 26 sick prisoners are being considered for release. | Now Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Morantinos is due in Havana shortly to help support the church's efforts, amid reports from Madrid that 26 sick prisoners are being considered for release. |
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