Opposition group denounces increase of political prisoners in Cuba

The number of political prisoners in Cuban jails increased from 87 to 102 from November 2013, as denounced this Monday by an opposition group.

“Up to the date, the number of convicted or processed by political motivations in Cuba amounts to 114,” said the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, which includes in its recount to 12 dissidents who are on parole, so the number of those who are in prison is 102.

“This total represents a net increase compared to the one reported by our Commission in November 17, 2013” of 87 political prisoners, said the group, which is illegal even though tolerated by the communist government, said a report sent to the foreign press.

The Commission, headed by dissident Elizardo Sanchez, has claimed that the government of Raul Castro turns to brief detentions (a few hours or a few days) to repress dissent, instead of long sentences as the days of Fidel Castro.