The body of political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo, whose death by hunger strike last year provoked international criticism of Cuba was exhumed for cremation Tuesday, his family said, enabling them to take his remains when they emigrate to the United States.
The Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation says that the island's communist government is still holding a hundred political prisoners, in spite of releasing numerous imprisoned dissidents last year.
Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Ortega announced Sunday he managed to convince Cuban authorities to lift the month-long ban on street protests by “Ladies in White”—the wives and mothers of political prisoners.
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez called for respect for the political and electoral system of Cuba that this Sunday was holding municipal elections among candidates from an only party.