MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Give me the name of a political prisoner, he will be released before tonight” Castro challenges US reporter

“Please give me the name of a political prisoner,” Castro said repeatedly, with President Barack Obama standing by his side.

Cuban President Raúl Castro sparred with US reporters on Monday over Cuba’s human-rights record, saying at one point that it was not fair to ask about prisoners in general and at another point that he would release by the end of the day anyone named as a political prisoner by a reporter.

 “Please give me the name of a political prisoner,” Castro said repeatedly, with President Barack Obama standing by his side.

The exchange on human rights started when CNN reporter Jim Acosta, who is of Cuban descent, asked Castro the status of political prisoners in the country.

“What political prisoners? After this meeting is over, you can give me a list of political prisoners, and, if we have those political prisoners, they will be released before tonight ends,” Castro replied.

Castro, 84, later said that all countries violate human rights to some degree. He said Cuba believes in the right to education, health care, and equal pay for men and women.
However prior to Obama’s arrival, the Cuban government rounded up several prominent dissidents, according to reports.

Obama said it was better to engage Cuba on human rights rather than maintain the policy of rigid disengagement “that for 50 years did nothing.”

“I guess ultimately what this comes down to ... is I have faith in people. I think if you meet Cubans here and Cubans meet Americans and they are meeting and talking and interacting and doing business together and going to school together and learning from each other that they will recognize people are people,” he said.

And then “change will occur,” the president said.

Obama and Castro ended their press conference with a moment that was every bit as awkward.