 HAVANA – At least 12 opposition members were arrested in Cuba, according to the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National reconciliation, or CCDHRN, which also says that there are nearly 90 prisoners convicted for political reasons on the island. Among those arrested Monday and for the second consecutive day are Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White; her husband, former political prisoner Angel Moya; and some other members of this women’s movement, CCDHRN spokesman Elizardo Sanchez told EFE. Also on Monday, Antonio Gonzalez-Rodiles, head of the independent project “State of Sats,” and his girlfriend, the activist Ayler Gonzalez, were arrested near their residence, a family source confirmed. Elizardo Sanchez explained that his group is trying to specify the number of arrests made on the island since Sunday, when U.S. president Barack Obama arrived in the country. On that day, around 60 dissidents were arrested several hours after Sunday’s protest march which the Ladies in White usually undertake. During a press conference with Obama on Monday, Cuban president Raul Castro denied that there are political prisoners in the country. “Give me the list of political prisoners and I will release them,” said Castro in response to a question made by a journalist. |