Cuba releases activists ahead of papal visit
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 March 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Cuba releases activists ahead of papal visit, 19 March 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4f717ae7c.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 19.03.2012 20:12
Cuba has released about 70 members of the Damas de Blanco (Women in White) opposition group who were detained on March 18.
However, authorities warned the group not to attend any events related to the March 26-28 visit to Cuba of Pope Benedict XVI.
Damas de Blanco leader Berta Soler was among those released.
She told Reuters that officials had told her not to attend the pope's Masses, but that she planned to do so anyway.
The group has also requested a meeting with the pontiff to discuss human rights in Cuba.
Earlier on March 19, U.S. National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor called on Cuban authorities to "abandon their tactics of intimidation and harassment" regarding opposition groups.
With Reuters, dpa, and AFP reports
