Four Cuban dissidents freed
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See the article in its original context from June 2004.
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Leonardo Bruzon Avila, whose case was once highlighted by US President George W. Bush, went free Tuesday night along with three other men arrested with him in February 2002, said Elizardo Sanchez of the Cuban Commission on Human Rights and Reconciliation.
Sanchez identified the others as: Carlos Alberto Dominguez Gonzalez, Emilio Leyva Perez and Lazaro Rodriguez Capote, all of Havana.
The four men were named on Amnesty International's list of Cuban prisoners of conscience, said Sanchez. "It's a positive event, but it doesn't indicate a change in policy," he said of the government's decision to release the men.
Bruzon told reporters Tuesday night that he would leave the island soon for France.
"My struggle is inside Cuba, but I will go to France so that my voice is heard outside Cuba," Bruzon said at his home in central Havana.
Bruzon, leader of a group calling itself the February 24 Pro-Human Rights Movement, and the three other men were never tried after their arrest more than two years ago.
Over the years, Bruzon's case was mentioned in annual reports by groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Bruzon's family has maintained regular communication with those and other groups about their concerns for his well-being.
Bush also mentioned Bruzon by name, along with several other Cuban political prisoners, in an October speech announcing measures to crack down on American travel to the communist-run island.
