Leading Cuba rights group says 60 political prisoners remain behind bars, less than last year

HAVANA – A leading non-governmental human rights group says 60 political prisoners remain behind bars in Cuba, significantly fewer than last year.

The Cuban Commission for Human Rights and Reconciliation said in a report released Friday there in addition to the 60 prisoners, another 11 people are on some kind of parole. Last year, there were 102 prisoners behind bars and additional 12 people on parole.

Cuban authorities in January released 53 political prisoners at the request of the United States after Washington and Havana announced they were moving toward a warming of ties.

In Cuba, political dissidents are considered by the government to be mercenaries interested in undermining the revolution.