Havana, Cuba, Jul 8, 2010 / 16:01 pm
After the Cuban government agreed to release 52 political prisoners earlier this week, the Cuban dissident Guillermo Fariñas abandoned his 140-day hunger strike.
“From this moment, Fariñas has abandoned the hunger and thirst strike,” dissident Gisela Delgado told the press.
Fariñas has been on hunger strike for around 140 days. He began his strike last February after another political prisoner, Orlando Zapata, died. Zapata was also on a hunger strike and had refused to touch any sort of food for 85 days.
This announcement comes in the wake of nearly two months of dialogue between the Catholic Church and Cuba’s communist government. On July 7 it was announced that 52 political prisoners would be released of the 73 that were arrested for treason in 2003. Five will be released immediately and the remaining 47 will be released in the next four months.
This morning, Fariñas’ mother, Alicia Hernández, indicated he would release a statement this afternoon.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA