Raul Castro Releases 2,900 Common Prisoners But Holds Onto His 11 Million Cuban Hostages

Yoani Sanchez - Award-winning Cuban blogger

Raul Castro Releases 2,900 Common Prisoners But Holds Onto His 11
Million Cuban Hostages
Posted: 12/30/11 08:39 AM ET

Thousands of eyes were glued to national television screens this last
Friday. The social networks and text messages also vibrated nervously. A
strong rumor had been growing all week, feeding the hopes of Cubans on
and off the island, killing sleep. Initiated and fed by official voices,
the speculations centered on the possibility of the National Assembly
announcing travel reforms.

In a country where citizens face severe limitations on leaving and
entering their own territory, such suspicions are too important not to
pay attention. Bags packed, airplane tickets reserved, and long-delayed
hugs between relatives not seen for decades about to be realized. But
the illusion lasted only a few days and was deflated with the same haste
with which passports are stamped "denied."

Instead of proclaiming the end of the demeaning Exit Permit -- also
known as the "White Card" -- Raul Castro reported on a pardon for more
than 2,900 prisoners. People sentenced for diverse crimes, among which
were some against State Security. In the words of the official press
release, it affected prisoners, "older than 60, sick, women, and also
young people with prior criminal histories." A gesture that could be
aimed at paving the way for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI this coming
March.

The General thus preferred to open the doors of the small prisons,
seeing that he is still not disposed to pull back the bureaucratic bars
of the great prison. The island as a penitentiary and the immigration
officials as stern gatekeepers with a bunch of keys hanging from their
belts.

Although the president reaffirmed his "unchanging will to gradually
introduce the required changes" in the current migratory policies, he
could not prevent a snort of frustration bursting forth from the mouths
of those who listened at home. For the umpteenth time hope withered and
the embrace of an uncle or brother who would not be returning remained
annoyingly locked in the trunk of the postponement.

The family and friends of the newly pardoned, however, did have reasons
to prepare a Christmas with greater happiness. Although the penal code
keeps intact that crimes that led them to prison, those released this
Christmas feel themselves to be the beneficiaries of a magnanimous wink
from the seat of power.

The presidential indulgence has touched them this time, but thousands of
Cubans wait for a similar gesture in matters of basic human rights: A
pardon that manages to open the heavy gate that blocks free travel,
coming and going from one's country without having to ask for permission.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/yoani-sanchez/cuba-prisoner-release_b_1175447.html