Americas News
Five Cuban political prisoners released, dissidents group says
Dec 27, 2011, 19:10 GMT
Havana - Five political prisoners are among the more than 2,900 inmates whose releases were announced last week by the Cuban government, a dissident group said Tuesday.
Elizardo Sanchez, president of the Cuban Commission of Human Rights and National Reconciliation, expressed 'joy' over the prisoner releases, though his statement described the moves as 'limited.'
The group estimates that 70,000-80,000 prisoners are being held in Cuba.
Authorities on Friday announced a pardon for 2,900 inmates, including 86 foreigners, 'for humanitarian reasons,' and in consideration of the scheduled March visit to the island by Pope Benedict XVI.
The dissident group said that 66 political prisoners remin in detention in Cuba, including 16 who are under house arrest. Havana authorities deny holding any prisoners for political reasons.
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