ReadJunk.com - News - Cuba to commute death sentences

Posted On: April 29th 2008
Posted By: Adam Coozer
Source: BBC News

Cuba to commute death sentences

Cuba's President Raul Castro says nearly all death sentences are to be commuted to prison terms of between 30 years and life.

It is the latest in a series of liberalising measures. Mr Castro said the decision was humanitarian and not due to international pressure.

Three people charged with terrorism will stay on death row for the time being. Their cases will be reviewed.

The death penalty will remain on the statute book in Cuba.

Mr Castro also announced he was convening a Communist Party congress next year - the first for more than a decade.

The congress is expected to chart Cuba's future political and economic agenda.

Cuba has been under pressure from human-rights organisations to abolish the death penalty, which is carried out by firing squad.

There are no official figures, but the Cuban Human Rights Commission estimates that between 40 and 50 inmates could be affected.

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