Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cuba has freed one of 13 political prisoners who refused to go into exile and will let him stay on the island, in a signal that they all may be released soon. Arnaldo Ramos said yesterday that he was in good shape after more than seven years in prison and planned to resume his opposition to the Communist government.
"I am in perfectly good condition and happy to be home," said the 68-year-old economist, who was released and allowed to return to his Havana home on Saturday. "I'm going to return to the same activities I did before." He said he would begin by attending the weekly protest march of the dissident group Ladies in White.
He was one of 75 dissidents arrested in a 2003 crackdown on government opponents and was serving an 18-year prison sentence.
In a deal brokered by the Catholic Church, Cuban President Raul Castro agreed in July to free the 52 who were then still behind bars.
But the government also wanted the jailed dissidents to leave the country and tried to convince them to go to exile in Spain. Spain has agreed to accept the former prisoners.
Thirty-nine accepted the offer, but the remaining 13, including Mr Ramos, refused to leave their country. His release was a concession by the government and probably signals that it has given up on getting the rest to go to Spain.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments