Cuba to release 52 political prisoners after pressure from Dissident Leaders and Catholic Church
Published: Wednesday, July 7, 2010 7:00 am By: CANFFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7th, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Daniel Lafuente (305) 592-7768
Laly Sampedro (786)-877-7393
Cuba to release 52 political prisoners after pressure from Dissident Leaders and Catholic Church
The Cuban American National Foundation would like to thank the Catholic Church and the Spanish Government for negotiating the release of 52 political prisoners in Cuba. The agreement comes after months of talks between Roman Catholic leaders and the Castro regime.
It is our hope that this release of prisoners, resulting from internal as well as external pressures will mark a significant change in the regime’s lack of respect and continued violation of the human rights of the Cuban people. Undoubtedly, the success of today’s agreement speaks loudly of the members of Cuba’s nonviolent opposition who have stood firm in their struggle in the face of regime intimidation and abuse.
While the Foundation remains thankful to the Church for its instrumental role, the agreement was a major victory for Las Damas de Blanco, who have been pressuring the government for more than 7 years to release its political prisoners. Pressure from the death of dissident leader Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who died in prison during his hunger strike back in March during which he was denied water for the last 18 days, as well as hunger strikes by prominent dissident leaders like Guillermo “Coco” Fariñas has also inspired the international community and the growing opposition in Cuba.
Francisco “Pepe” Hernandez, President of CANF said: “This is a welcome event and we must thank all those who made it possible, but we must remind the World that there are still many more prisoners in Cuba unjustly incarcerated and the Castro regime continues to commit multitude of daily crimes against the Cuban people”
