Cuba: Church says dissident, 9 others to be freed
The Associated Press
HAVANA -- Cuban officials will free a political dissident from prison
and let him stay on the island, while nine other inmates jailed for
crimes against state security are being sent to Spain, the Roman
Catholic Church said Thursday.
The releases are being carried out under an agreement between the church
and the government that has so far freed about 100 people, some who have
served time for political activism and others for violent, but
politically motivated acts.
The Archdiocese of Havana said the government planned to release Oscar
Elias Biscet, a dissident who was arrested during an internationally
criticized roundup of dissidents in 2003. Seventy-five people were
convicted of allegedly taking money and guidance from the U.S. and
groups seeking to overturn Cuba's communist system.
Biscet, a physician serving a 25-year sentence, was one of several
inmates covered by the church's deal with the government who had refused
to accept exile in return for his freedom. His release would leave three
of the 2003 dissidents in jail.
The archdiocese also said authorities were freeing nine inmates who had
been convicted of state security offenses, which include hijacking,
terrorism and possession of weapons. All nine would be exiled to Spain,
the church said.
There was no confirmation from the government, which general doesn't
comment on the releases. Although it has agreed to free dissidents, the
government still characterizes them as mercenaries paid by Washington to
stir up trouble.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/10/2108989/cuba-church-says-dissident-9-others.html
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