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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Amnesty sought for political prisoners

Cuba: Amnesty sought for political prisoners
December 19, 2007

HAVANACARACAS RIO DE JANEIRO - Dissident Oswaldo Paya asked Cuba's
parliament on Tuesday to approve an amnesty for political prisoners and
to allow Cubans to leave and visit the island without government visas.

Paya and another activist, Minervo Lazaro Chil, hand-delivered
"citizens' petitions" on both matters at the National Assembly offices.

Legislative workers quietly registered the proposals according to
protocol. Several men with walkie-talkies who routinely shadow Paya
rushed inside the building at one point, but made no effort to stop the
proceedings.

"This is a petition made on human terms, not political terms," Paya said
to international reporters just outside parliament.

One proposal called for the release of all "nonviolent" prisoners of
conscience. The second proposal would eliminate the government permits
Cubans now need to leave or enter their homeland.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/cuba/sfl-fla33ahemidig12190sbdec19,0,6658383.story

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