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Rights groups urge Raul Castro to release critics

A man dressed as a security guard poses in front of a mock prison cell during a demonstration in support of Cuban political prisoners in Prague on Monday. PHOTO: AP

International human rights and journalism advocacy groups called on Tuesday on Cuban President Raul Castro's government to free critics still serving long sentences five years after a broad crackdown that landed 75 people behind bars.

"It is time for Cuba to release these prisoners immediately and without conditions," said Matt Easton, of the New York-based Human Rights First, in a news release. "The world is waiting to see whether Cuba is really ready for change, or only going through the motions."

The Committee to Protect Journalists focused on the 20 independent journalists among the 55 still held. Carlos Lauria, committee representative for the Americas, called for the journalists' release during a news conference in Madrid, attended by Cuban writer Raul Rivero.

Rivero was among 16 people in the original group of 75 who were released early on medical parole. Another four in the group were released into forced exile in Spain last month.

About two dozen members of the Ladies in White, a support group for wives of political prisoners, marked the anniversary in Havana on Friday with a march demanding the release of their men.

The March 18, 2003, crackdown prompted governments and rights groups around the world to condemn former Cuban president Fidel Castro. Cuban officials defended the roundup.

Cuba later tried the 75 and sentenced them to prison terms of up to 28 years, accusing them of working with the US to undermine Castro's government -- charges both the activists and Washington denied.

Since Raul Castro assumed the presidency from his ailing 81-year-old brother Fidel last month, Cuba has signed two UN covenants on civil and political rights.

"Cuba's decision to commit publicly to human rights principles is welcome, but the continued imprisonment of these activists says much more about Cuba's intentions than the signing of any documents," Easton said.
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