Wives of Political Prisoners March in Cuba

Wives of Political Prisoners March in Cuba

The Associated Press
Saturday, March 18, 2006; 10:31 PM

HAVANA -- The wives and mothers of about two dozen political prisoners
marched Saturday along several of the city's main avenues, singing hymns
and carrying signs reading "amnesty" to commemorate the third
anniversary of the crackdown that put their husbands behind bars.

Authorities did not interfere with the march by the "Ladies in White,"
as the women have become known for their frequent marches to draw
attention to their husbands' plight. Dressed all in white as is their
tradition, the women carried gladiolas as they walked along Havana's
thoroughfares.

"We would never have thought this would go on for so long," said Laura
Pollan, wife of Hector Maseda, a political prisoner who was among 75
people rounded up on March 18, 2003. He was sentenced to 20 years.

"We will continue to fight as long as he remains in prison," Pollan said.

The Cuban government has said the arrests were needed to protect the
nation from "mercenaries" paid from abroad to undermine the socialist
system.

Cuba accused the 75 of working with the United States to undermine
Castro's government _ charges the activists and Washington deny.

Fifteen of the original 75 have since been released on medical parole.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/18/AR2006031801643.html